Power of Attorney for elderly parents when living overseas

[peonyinparadise]

I have an issue that keeps me awake at night... My elderly parents live in the UK. I have been overseas for the best part of 20 years but remain close & visit twice a year. A long time ago, at a point when I lived in the UK, they made me power of attorney for their health & financial affairs. How, practically, can I make this work from thousands of miles away as they begin to need care? There are no other family members/friends that my Mum would consider adding as an attorney, just me. Moving back to the UK is not an option (marriage,children, job). Is there a professional 'third party' that might be able to share / help with the day-to-day logistics of dealing with their finances & welfare?

Yes, you instruct a solicitor.

At least in these days of email , it is much easier for you to keep on top of things from a distance.

Dh was PoA for his late mother and we are overseas.
It can be done mainly by email.

Check with the solicitor though what has to be done in person and what needs you there to sign in person

Thanks, I shall discuss this with the family solicitor. I'd be really interested to hear of any experiences of how this has worked for any other expats.

Yes do speak with the family solicitor. You may need to consider putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place for the time when they may well not beable to make informed decisions for themselves. I believe this is different to Power of Attorney but may well be wrong! I have this along with my brother for my elderly father. I am overseas with no view to returning in the near future to the UK although I visit fairly frequently. It had to be done whilst he was fully aware of what was involved. We were given copies of the original document to be placed with banks, doctors etc. Hope that all makes sense!! I don't think it will be a problem administrating their affairs from far afield. Best to be prepared for all eventualities in your situation.

Is it possible to have a court appointed guardian that can manage affairs if you are not able to be present?