Get Power of Attorney in Place With a Solicitor Who Explains Every Step
Choose now who manages your affairs if something happens — before life removes that choice.
Most people know they should have a Power of Attorney sorted. Most put it off. And then something happens — a stroke, a diagnosis, a bank refusing access — and the window to act properly closes. We make the process clear, simple, and done. Trusted by Lanarkshire families for over 55 years.
Or simply call us on 01698 747171 to have a friendly chat.
There’s a question most people avoid asking until they’re forced to. It goes something like this: if something happened to you tomorrow — a stroke, an accident, a diagnosis that changed everything — who would be able to step in? Who could access your bank accounts, pay your bills, make care decisions, or simply keep things running while you couldn’t?
Most people have someone in mind. A partner, a son or daughter, a sibling, they trust completely. But thinking about someone isn’t the same as legally appointing them. And without a Power of Attorney, the people you trust most have no legal authority to act — even in the most urgent circumstances. Banks will refuse them. Care homes will ask for documentation that doesn’t exist. Decisions will stall at the worst possible time.
It’s one of those things that feels like it can wait. Until it can’t.
At Lanarkshire Law Practice, we help families across North Lanarkshire properly sort out Power of Attorney — before a crisis forces the issue, and when one already has. Whether you’re planning ahead, a recent diagnosis has made this feel suddenly urgent, or you’re an adult child trying to help an ageing parent get this in place while they still can, we’ll walk you through the process clearly, patiently, and without unnecessary jargon.
It’s usually one appointment. And it’s far more straightforward than most people expect.
What Happens When There's No Power of Attorney
In Scotland, losing mental capacity — through stroke, dementia, a serious accident, or progressive illness — doesn’t automatically transfer authority to the people closest to you. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been married, how dependable your children are, or how obvious your wishes might seem to everyone who knows you. Without a Power of Attorney, no one has the legal right to act on your behalf. And the consequences arrive fast.
Banks freeze accounts and refuse access. The person who has managed the household finances for thirty years suddenly can’t pay a bill or move money without a court order. Care homes need formal documentation before agreeing to a placement. Medical staff require a legally recognised decision-maker before proceeding. Property can’t be sold. Utilities can’t be managed. And in the middle of an already frightening and exhausting time, the people who care most about you are left hitting wall after wall.
The only alternative — once the window for Power of Attorney has closed — is a Guardianship Order through the Sheriff Court. That process takes several months, involves medical reports, local authority assessments, and significantly greater legal costs. We handle those too, and we understand them completely. But it’s more involved, more expensive, and more distressing than it ever needed to be. Power of Attorney, sorted now, prevents all of it.
We’ve seen what happens when families wait. A parent has a stroke on an ordinary Wednesday morning, and by Thursday afternoon their adult daughter is being told her name on a joint utility bill doesn’t give her any legal authority. A husband with advancing dementia reaches the point where he can no longer legally sign documents — and his wife realises nothing was ever put in place. A family manages informally for months before a bank challenge forces a reckoning.
You don’t want that for your family. Avoiding it is straightforward — if you act while you still have the choice.
How We Make Power of Attorney Simple for You
Sorting a Power of Attorney with us isn’t complicated or drawn out. Most clients complete the process in a couple of appointments and leave with everything properly in place and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian in Edinburgh. Here’s what working with us looks like:
We explain both types clearly, so you know exactly what you're putting in place
In Scotland, there are two main types of Power of Attorney — and they cover quite different things. A Continuing Power of Attorney deals with financial and property decisions: bank accounts, bills, investments, and property transactions. A Welfare Power of Attorney covers personal care and medical decisions: where you live, what treatment you receive, and how your daily care is managed. Many clients set them up together as a Combined Power of Attorney, so everything is covered in one document. We’ll talk through what makes sense for your circumstances — clearly, without assuming you already know the legal landscape.
The process moves more quickly than most people expect
Once you’ve decided to go ahead, things progress efficiently. We draft your Power of Attorney document, you review and approve it, and once it’s signed and witnessed correctly, we register it with the Office of the Public Guardian. Your attorney can’t act until registration is complete — so where health is already a factor, it’s important not to delay. We’ll give you an honest, realistic timeline at your first appointment.
We can come to you if travelling isn't straightforward
If you’re elderly, managing a health condition, have limited mobility, or simply find it difficult to get to our Bellshill office, we offer home visits across Motherwell, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Viewpark, Wishaw, and the surrounding areas of North Lanarkshire. We bring the whole process to you. This matters particularly when someone needs to act while their capacity still allows — the last thing you need is a logistical barrier getting in the way.
We help adult children support elderly parents through the process
A significant number of our Power of Attorney appointments are arranged not by the person granting it, but by an adult son or daughter who has recognised the need and wants to help their parent take action. If that’s why you’re here, we understand the situation well. We’ll speak with both of you, ensure your parent understands and is comfortable with what they’re agreeing to, and guide the whole family through the process with sensitivity and patience.
We advise families of young people approaching adulthood
If your son or daughter has a learning disability, an acquired brain injury, or another condition affecting their capacity to make decisions — and their sixteenth birthday is approaching — this page matters to you too. In Scotland, parental authority ends at sixteen, regardless of disability, and services, including the NHS, social work, and supported living providers, will require legal authority before acting on your instructions. If your child has sufficient capacity to grant a Power of Attorney before that point, we can explore that option with you. If they don’t, we can advise on Guardianship as the right route forward and begin that process early. The sooner you speak to us, the more straightforward that transition can be.
You'll work with named, approachable solicitors — not a different face each time you call
At Lanarkshire Law Practice, you’ll work with a named solicitor — Lynsey, Claire, and Eilidh and a colleague who knows your case — from first appointment through to registration. That continuity matters when the subject is something as personal as future incapacity and the people you’re choosing to trust.
We've been doing this for over 55 years
Lanarkshire families have trusted us through generations. We’ve set up Powers of Attorney for parents, and then helped their children do the same years later. That continuity reflects something we believe: this isn’t a transaction. It’s the kind of thing families should be able to sort with someone they trust, and not have to worry about again.
Or simply call us on 01698 747171 to have a friendly chat.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted Locally
- Hundreds of Powers of Attorney registered for Lanarkshire families by our experienced solicitors
- 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot and Google Reviews
- Over 55 years serving Lanarkshire families
- Continuing, Welfare, and Combined Powers of Attorney — all handled in-house
Getting Power of Attorney Sorted in Three Simple Steps
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how we work.
1. Get in touch
Call us on 01698 747171, fill in the enquiry form, or book an appointment online. We’ll arrange a time that suits you — at our Bellshill office, or at your home if travelling is difficult. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. Just let us know a little about your situation, and we’ll take it from there.
2. We talk through your wishes
In one appointment, we’ll explain both types of Power of Attorney clearly, help you decide who to appoint as your attorney or attorneys, and talk through the scope of the powers you want to grant. We’ll answer every question without rushing you or making you feel out of your depth. Most clients are ready to move forward in that first conversation.
3. We draft, register, and confirm it's properly in place
We prepare the document, you review and approve it, and once it’s correctly signed and witnessed, we handle registration with the Office of the Public Guardian. We’ll confirm as soon as registration is complete. From that point, your attorney can act — and you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing the right person is in place, legally, if they’re ever needed.
How Much Does a Power of Attorney Cost?
We believe in transparency. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before you commit — no surprise fees and no inflated bills.
Power of Attorney costs depend on the type you’re setting up — Continuing, Welfare, or Combined — and your individual circumstances. We’ll give you a clear fee before you commit to anything. If you and your partner are both setting up Power of Attorney at the same time, we’ll provide a combined fee to reflect this.
All pricing includes your consultation appointment, drafting of your document, any revisions needed, and registration with the Office of the Public Guardian.
Call us now for a clear cost — an upfront fixed fee.
Or simply call us on 01698 747171 to have a friendly chat.
- Plain English throughout — both types of POA explained clearly, so you understand exactly what you’re putting in place
- Transparent pricing — you’ll know the cost upfront, with no hidden extras
- Home visits available — across Bellshill, Motherwell, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Wishaw, and surrounding North Lanarkshire areas
- Continuing, Welfare, and Combined POA — we’ll advise which is right for your circumstances
- Support for adult children helping elderly parents — sensitive, family-aware guidance throughout
- Advice for families of young adults with disabilities — navigating legal capacity at 16 and beyond
- Named, approachable solicitors — Karen, Lynsey, or a colleague who knows your case
- Local and trusted — over 55 years serving Lanarkshire families through the moments that matter
Commonly Asked Questions
"I'm fine at the moment — do I really need to sort this now?"
Yes — and right now is precisely the right time. Power of Attorney can only be granted by someone who has the mental capacity to understand and agree to what they’re signing. Once capacity is lost — whether through stroke, dementia, accident, or illness — that option closes permanently, and it cannot be completed retrospectively. Sorting it while everything is fine is exactly what makes it useful: the right person is already in place, legally, before they’re ever needed. Waiting until you feel you need it means you’ve likely already waited too long.
"Isn't this just handing over control to someone else?"
In a meaningful sense, it’s the opposite. A Power of Attorney is entirely within your control to grant — you choose who your attorney is, you decide the scope of their powers, and you can build in safeguards from the outset. With a Welfare POA, you remain the decision-maker for as long as you have capacity. What it does is ensure that if your health ever changes, the right person — chosen by you, on your terms, while you were well — is ready to act. That’s not a loss of control. That’s the most direct expression of it.
"What's the difference between Continuing and Welfare POA — do I need both?"
A Continuing Power of Attorney covers financial and property decisions: bank accounts, bills, savings, and property. A Welfare Power of Attorney covers personal care and medical decisions: where you live, what treatment you receive, and how your day-to-day care is managed. Most people find it makes sense to set up both as a Combined Power of Attorney, since a health crisis can affect both financial and welfare decisions at the same time. We’ll walk you through which arrangement is right for your situation at your appointment.
"Can I appoint more than one person as my attorney?"
Yes — and there are different ways to structure that. You can appoint joint attorneys who must agree on every decision together, or joint and several attorneys who can each act independently if needed. Both arrangements have practical advantages depending on your circumstances and the people you’re appointing. We’ll talk through the options so you can make the right choice for your family rather than just defaulting to a standard arrangement.
"My mum has dementia — is it too late for a Power of Attorney?"
It depends on where she is in that journey. Power of Attorney requires the granter to have sufficient mental capacity to understand and consent to the document — but in the earlier stages of dementia, that capacity may still be present. The important thing is not to delay, because it can change. Contact us as soon as possible, and we’ll advise you honestly on whether a Power of Attorney is still achievable. If it isn’t, a Guardianship Order is the appropriate route, and we handle those with the same care and guidance.
"What if my attorney uses the power inappropriately?"
The Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland exists specifically to oversee attorneys and investigate concerns about misuse. Attorneys have clear legal duties — to act in your best interests, to keep proper records, and to avoid conflicts of interest. Choosing someone you trust is, of course, the most important safeguard. If you’re uncertain about who to appoint, we’ll discuss that with you honestly and help you think it through carefully. You can also appoint a substitute attorney or build in additional oversight when the document is drafted.
"My son has a learning disability and is turning 16 soon — what do we need to do?"
This is something families often discover late, and it’s worth understanding early. In Scotland, parental authority ends at 16, regardless of disability. If your son has sufficient mental capacity to grant a Power of Attorney before that point, that may be worth exploring with us. If he doesn’t, a Guardianship Order — rather than a Power of Attorney — will be the right route to ensure you retain legal authority to support him in adulthood. We’ll assess the situation with you and advise on the right path. Starting that conversation before his sixteenth birthday gives you the most options and the most time.
"How long does registration with the Office of the Public Guardian take?"
Once your document is correctly signed and witnessed, we submit it to the Office of the Public Guardian in Edinburgh. Processing times can vary, and we’ll give you an honest current estimate at submission. What’s important to know is that your attorney cannot legally act until registration is complete, which is one of the clearest reasons why acting sooner rather than later matters, particularly if health is already a consideration.
Why Choose Lanarkshire Law Practice for Power of Attorney
We do Scottish law, and only Scottish law applies here
Power of Attorney in Scotland is governed by the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, and it operates differently from the system in England and Wales. If you’ve been reading general UK guidance online, some of it won’t apply to your situation. We practise Scottish law, know the legislation, and will ensure your document is correctly drafted for the jurisdiction in which it needs to work.
We're not an impersonal, big Glasgow firm
You won’t feel intimidated, and you won’t pay prestige prices. We’re local, accessible, and built for Lanarkshire families rather than corporate clients seeking a postcode. We’re on the high street in Bellshill, we offer home visits across North Lanarkshire, and we’re happy to have a straightforward phone conversation before you commit to anything.
We're not an online platform generating a template
A Power of Attorney may one day carry enormous weight over your finances, your care, your home, and your future decisions. It’s worth having a real solicitor who understands your circumstances and drafts it properly. We don’t generate generic documents. We take the time to understand what you need and make sure what we produce reflects it accurately.
We're here for the long term
Once your Power of Attorney is registered, we hold a record of it. When your family needs us — whether that’s next year or a decade from now — we’ll be here, and we’ll know your situation. Many of the families we work with have trusted us across two or three generations. That kind of continuity isn’t incidental. It’s what happens when people trust you with the moments that matter most.
What Makes Acting Now So Important
You’re reading this because something brought it to mind. Maybe a parent has had a health scare. Maybe a GP mentioned it in passing. Maybe a friend told you what happened to their family when there was no Power of Attorney in place — and the story stayed with you. Maybe you’ve simply reached a point where sorting your affairs feels long overdue.
Whatever brought you here, don’t let that awareness settle back into the background. The difficulty with Power of Attorney isn’t the cost, the complexity, or finding the time. It’s the slow drift back to “I’ll sort it when things calm down” — and then something changes before they do.
This is one appointment with a solicitor who will explain everything clearly and make the process straightforward. Most clients tell us they wish they’d done it sooner — not because it was hard, but because they’d spent years carrying a quiet background worry they never needed to carry.
Call us, book an appointment, or fill in the enquiry form. One hour now, and the right person is legally in place for whatever comes next.
The Right Person. In Place. Before It Matters.
A Power of Attorney doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or a decision that keeps getting deferred. It just needs to be done — and we make that straightforward.
A couple of appointments. Plain English. Properly sorted.
Or simply call us on 01698 747171 to have a friendly chat.
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