How to open a bank account for my brother but with my mother as POA

abbas5001

Hi all,

My youngest brother is 9 years old and has autism. My mother would like to open an account in his name but with her as Power of Attorney.

I have looked on the directgov site but left a bit confused? Is this feasiable due to his age and can we do this ourselves or must we visit a solicitor?

Went into lloyds about this but the branch staff didn't know too much tbh.

Thanks!

le_loup

As I understand it, you cannot take out a POA if the person does not have capacity to give permission.

scottishblondie

I don't think POA is required (or possible) when the person in question is underage - as his mother she is already responsible for making those sorts of decisions until he is old enough. She can open a childrens account which she has control over until he is at least 16 eg this Young Saver account at Lloyds. When he is old enough to be legally responsible for these decisions (16 or 18 I think) then you might need to revisit the issue.

callum9999

le_loup wrote: »

As I understand it, you cannot take out a POA if the person does not have capacity to give permission.

I don't know much about this sort of thing, but when I was little I had a Nationwide savings account which had my mums name on it so she could manage it as well. I don't know if thats changed (or as it's not a "proper" bank account maybe it's not suitable?) though.

jambosans

I agree with scottishblondie, I believe a trustee account would be your best option (for example, the Halifax Save4it account has a trustee option).

The below link, although HMRC and more to do with tax implications on children's accounts, gives details (and an example) of a trust account for a mentally incapacitated child.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/tdsi/children.htm#d

I've not been able to dig out an article, but The National Autistic Society* has a website, Managing Money, which may be helpful, in particular, the below "Module" (which you need to register to view):-
http://www.managingmoney.org.uk/keeping-money/getting-help-with-money-decisions.aspx

I'd sugget they are your next contact for more tailored advice.

jennifernil

The Northern Rock "Little Rock" account would be suitable, and it pays more interest than the Save4It.

abbas5001

Thanks guys. Great advice. Went into my local RBS just for a bit of advice and they told me to apply in branch and my brother would have to come in. This would be do-able but would much prefer to apply online or by post as it would be easier for us. I have seen the co-op children's account can be applied for via post. Just wondering if any other accoutns can be applied via post or online, seems like the big 4/5 banks require application in branch.

Twister84

Youth accounts are usually opened "In Trust For" - for example [parent] ITF [child].


You can have Power of Attorney over the accounts when the child is older. With RBS, it's the Revolve account which can be opened at the age of 11.


Face to face appointments are probably best in your circumstances.