Former judge warns of 'lack of safeguards' in power of attorney

'Lack of transparency'

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

Retired senior judge Denzil Lush has warned of a lack of safeguards in the power of attorney system in England and Wales, saying people should be more aware of the risks involved.

Lush said it can have a "devastating" effect on family relationships, and has vowed to never sign one himself, the BBC reported. He described the practice as a "crusade" which "demonised" the legal alternative - the appointment of deputies by the Court of Protection itself. The power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone the authority to act on behalf of another person in specified or all legal or financial matters. The BBC referred to a case where the power of attorney was used to exploit a war veteran who had given responsibility for his financial affairs to his neig...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Whole of Life

Case Study: RedArc

Case Study: RedArc

Life policy case study

Christine Husbands
clock 09 October 2024 • 3 min read
Industry reacts: FCA market study

Industry reacts: FCA market study

FCA probe welcomed by industry

Cameron Roberts
clock 28 August 2024 • 4 min read
Customers would pay for enhanced terminal illness definition: Guardian

Customers would pay for enhanced terminal illness definition: Guardian

74% of advisers agree

Cameron Roberts
clock 27 August 2024 • 2 min read