If somebody loses mental capacity and they have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, their attorneys (the people they’ve chosen and legally appointed) step in to make decisions on their behalf. If they do not have an LPA in place at the time of losing mental capacity, a loved one or suitable professional associated with the individual would need to apply to the Court of Protection for deputyship. Applying for deputyship in England can be a time-consuming and costly process. Still, it is essential to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of someone who lacks the mental capacity to make them themselves. People may lack mental capacity due to serious brain injury, severe learning disabilities, or illnesses such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, so it is always best to be prepared and make sure you … Continue reading →

More and more people are turning to AI on a daily basis for help with everything from emails to – research reveals – important legal matters such as writing or updating a will. While AI certainly has its place in the world, offering what seems like quick and reliable solutions, there are serious risks to consider when using AI for more serious matters. A national survey recently commissioned by The Association of Lifetime Lawyers found that 72% of UK adults aged 30-34 would consider using AI to update their will. Meanwhile, almost half of all wills in the UK have been written without the help of a qualified solicitor, meaning many are relying on DIY options, which could have very costly and unintended consequences. If your will contains errors, ambiguous wording, or fails to meet legal requirements, your estate and … Continue reading →