You have the option to appoint more than one attorney, as long as it is a person whom you trust. After all, you are granting them the right to make decisions for you.

Choose from two types of attorneys. The Health and Welfare Attorney will assist you with your daily routine and medical care. A Property and Financial Affairs Attorney is there to help you in paying your bills, collect your benefits, and even sell your home should you choose to.

When appointing an attorney, he or she must be over 18 years old and is able to make decisions. He or she should make decisions that you agree with and should also respect your wishes and demands. You cannot appoint someone who is currently bankrupt or subject to a debt relief order.

If you do not have a lasting power of attorney and are unable to manage your property and financial affairs due to confinement or mental incapacitation, the Court of Protection will do it on your behalf. A relative or a person close to you is required to apply in this court, which can take up to 12 months and costs more £1,000 to process.

In addition, the person authorized to handle your affairs on your behalf is not only unlikely to be who you would have chosen but may even be a court official. You will be charged every time he or she acts for you. This process also applies to health and welfare decisions, where someone should apply in the Court of Authorization.