A Will and Power of Attorney

[gandticenslice]

Martin Lewis says POA is almost more important than a Will. Anyone have both, I understand they are useful if you or partner has a Stroke accident Dementia Alzheimer’s and can’t deal with finances or medical decisions. If you’re married doesn’t that give you the right to speak on their behalf. Trying to understand it.

Being married doesn't give you that right no, otherwise that would be an open door for abusive spouses. Unless EVERYTHING is in joint names, which is extremely unlikely, without POA you can't access it. Medical is a bit different as doctors can override decisions in the patients best interests but still important if you want a say on your partner's health and welfare if they lose capacity.

POA is for before death, if incapacitated.
A Will is for after death.
You need both.

POA you need 2, one for financial and one for health and welfare.

So can you choose anyone to have POA ?

Yes

POA before death and will for after

I MUST do my POA now my eldest is 18. Need to make it easier in case something awful happens to me.

POA is easy Op but the person who it refers to should apply for it - there's one for finances and another for health and welfare - any decent solicitor can set them up for you for about 4 to 5 hundred pounds each. A friend's DH fell very ill and was put into an induced coma, the hospital wouldn't let her take his wallet and phone without his written permission!