We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

power of attorney, should I?

Options
im in a difficult situation. My dad is 86 and is reasonably wealthy. It has become apparent quite a substantial amount of money in his account is being spent by a family member and her 2 adult kids
( cars, holidays etc) Should i get Power of Attorney to safeguard my dads money? If i did would i be entitled to see bank statements and take my dads credit card from them?

thanks

Comments

  • Sea_Shell
    Sea_Shell Posts: 10,003 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 12 April 2018 at 5:37PM
    You can't initiate a POA, it has to be your father's decision to make one. Assuming he still has capacity. If not you'll have to apply to the court of protection.
    How's it going, AKA, Nutwatch? - 12 month spends to date = 2.60% of current retirement "pot" (as at end May 2025)
  • TBagpuss
    TBagpuss Posts: 11,236 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Has your dad given them permission to use his card?

    If not, he (not you) can cancel the card and if neccessary, report the theft.
    If he has, then unless he has lost capacity, it is his choice.

    If you are worried, talk to him. If he wants to, he could give you power of attorney, which would allow you to access his bank statements. However, unless he has lost capacity (in which case he is no longer able to grant a POA) he could still give the card to the other family member and give them permission to use it.
    All posts are my personal opinion, not formal advice Always get proper, professional advice (particularly about anything legal!)
  • Pollycat
    Pollycat Posts: 35,742 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Savvy Shopper!
    edited 13 April 2018 at 8:09AM
    How do you know that your Father hasn't given this family member the money rather than them taking it?

    How has this family member got hold of your Father's bank details?

    As for your question:
    power of attorney, should I?
    as has already pointed out, it's not a case of what you should do, it's what your Father wants to do.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 257.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.