Complicated POA?

[2fatducks]

My parents have finally come to the conclusion that a POA might be a good idea to put in place and have mentioned it to me and my sister. However the complicated part is that they live in the UK and we both don't.

I have spent the last few days researching as much as I can, and having found this wonderful site, have now only realised that there are 2 different POA's!

Can I become their Power of Attorney as I am overseas? Will banks and other institutions be happy with that? My mother has rung a Solicitors to enquire, but as yet, 3 days later they still can't answer her.

I'm due back for a visit at Easter, so was hoping to set wheels in motion prior, so any signing of paperwork can be done whilst I'm there. With Internet Banking/Skype/Face Time, I can't see what the problem could be, or is it just so unusual there aren't any protocols in place.

Has anyone else done this and were there any pitfalls?

Yes, you can be overseas and be POA, but if you have to enact it, you may have to be asking yourself seriously how much you could actually do.

For instance, yes, day to day banking can be done online, but you have to be in branch to start it all. Hospitals are very, very, reluctant to talk to you in detail over the phone. Managing care from a distance is very tricky.

I set up POA for my mother when DF died. They are actually called Lasting Power of Attorney now and the government website is a good source of information.
I did it all myself, you don't need a solicitor but it would certainly save you time.
There are some things your mother needs to give thought to which form part of the form. Her wishes about how her money is managed, charitable donations for example.
I had a couple of questions and the Office of Public Guardian were very helpful. I am sure they would answer your question about how being overseas might affect things..

I agree with CMOT. It is always useful to have a POA. From abroad you could conceivably pay bills, do tax returns if needed and generally get better over the phone cooperation from bodies such as HMRC, dept of work and pensions etc. However depending on level of need, caring at a distance could be very tricky. Still there is absolutely nothing to be lost from getting POA now and then seeing how things work out later.

We had this situation with MIL in NZ. The doctors recommended a POA for her. But since we are in the UK it is actually impossible to arrange anything anyway. Online banking is never a problem because DH has the password for MIL. In the end, DH got a charity involve to help her. She's moved to the UK now so the problem is solved for us. Best of luck.

Yes, my Sil has just done this. Fill all the forms on line, print them off and bring them to the Uk for signing. Unless your parents affairs are very complicated there is no need for a sol.

If you do go to Sols, check out the costs as they can vary by up to £1000.

Just do it! For both finances and health. It might not be hugely helpful but it is so much better to have it in place and people don't realise there is a " lag time" after you set it up before it becomes useable , and the person has to remain of sound mind in that time ..