Enduring power of attorney?

Question

can anyone with legal knowledge help me. a power of attorney was drawn up in early 2006 when my mum was diagnosed with dementia, but it was not registered with court of protection until now. at the time i was living with a partner - we have since split under the pressure of me moving back to care for my mum - i had no claim over his house as i didnt pay anything and my name wasnt on deeds, i moved back here in 2006 to look after her, now i have been told that power has to be registered and solicitor asked me to sign notice i didnt see that my old address was on it but it has been picked up by my kids who have been notified. solicitor says no prob my old address on it but im worried cos my address is my mums not old one and we get things like council tax discount cos im living here with her, if i have to show anything looks like im not living here should i listen to solicitor or what should i do, some of her previous advice has not been sound.

Answer 1

Hi Bren
I have just received Enduring Power of Attorney so I can act for my father. I did have to register, cost £250. It is only recognised as a legal document with the official stamps on it.
The Public Guardianship Office may be a good starting point for help and advice.
www.guardianship.gov.uk
[e-mail]
Hope this helps.

The custserv should end gsi.gov.uk.
Don't know why its not showing. Any probs e-mail me.

Answer 2

Hi Bren

I'm not a legal expert, but I am a mental health support worker working for my local Mind association.

Please see the links below, which are to the Mind website, hopefully they will help:

Carers Factsheet:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Factsheets/Carers/

How to cope as a carer:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/How+to/How+to+cope+as+a+carer.htm

Rights guide: Magaging your finances
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Rights+guide/Mind+rights+guide+7.+Managing+your+finances.htm

Understanding Dementia
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+dementia.htm

Hopefully some of the information in the links will guide you where best to get the help and support that you need. The Mind website will give you links to other organisations and also their own legal department or the Mindinfoline which is open from Monday to Friday.

I would also suggest that your local Citizens Advice Bureau should be able to give you assistance, you can find your nearest one by following this link:
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm#searchbox

You might also benefit from finding your local mental health charity, use this link:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area/

They may not have the legal knowledge that national Mind have, but they will be able to offer you support as a carer, and they might have a carers group that you could join.

They are easy to access and you can refer yourself, it only takes a phone call. They are there to support anyone who suffers, or anyone who cares for someone suffering from any kind of mental illness.

Hopefully some of this information will prove useful.

Take care and good luck.