Don’t trust POA

[PleaseHelpMe1]

My elderly grandmother wants to put in place LPA and has chosen myself and my father. I’m very close to my gran and do a lot for her.
Me & my dad are civil towards each other but don’t always see eye to eye. He got divorced from my mum when I was young and never really made any effort to see me, he is the same now and with my kids. He’s made it clear he wants my grans house when she goes even though the estate is being split between us as per the will. He stole my savings when I was a kid and now is constantly moaning about money and debts etc.
She wants us to be allowed to act separately as this is what the solicitor has advised. I completely understand why the solicitor has advised this in a normal circumstance but honestly I just fear he’s going to help himself to her money and maybe even sign the house over to himself (if he could do this) I suggested we act jointly. I’m not interested in her money or anything like that I just don’t want him to rip her off under the pretence of her best interests. I do understand it’s got to be her decision I’m just worried. Is there protection to stop people doing things like this if she does go forward.

If you have evidence that he is not acting in her best interests, you can report it to the Office of the Public Guardian. They will investigate and, if necessary, take action to remove him as an attorney.

I'm surprised a solicitor would advise acting separately if they knew the history. I would inform the solicitor of your concerns, if she goes ahead then like pp says you contact the opg, the police and ner bank.. Is this for just the financial poa, when does she want it to start, when it's registered or when she's lost capacity. Does she have capacity and fully understands the process, who will be signing the poa apart from her, you and your dad.

A joint LPA sounds more appropriate in this case so I hope that is the decision your gran makes. Although of course that will mean you both have to agree on every decision and you could end up at a point of stalemate (for example being unable to agree about the type and amount of care to pay for). It is difficult administering an LPA with someone you do not trust or get on with, I wish you the best of luck.

@PleaseHelpMe1 WRT the house two things you can do both are free.

• Register for a property alert https://www.gov.uk/guidance/property-alert
• Add your email address as one of the three permitted contact addresses https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updating-registered-owners-contact-address

These will alert you if anyone tries to take out a mortgage/equity release or change ownership.

I would also do an audit of your Grandmother’s current assets/ savings accounts - a simple spreadsheet will do so you have a baseline. Do an annual check (or more frequently) , any impropriety report to OPG.