Latest Blog from KK Law

Kate Garraway: Finding Derek documentary highlights the need for power of attorney

24th March 2021

The documentary “Kate Garraway: Finding Derek” recently aired on national television and highlighted the struggles TV presenter Kate has faced since her husband, Derek Draper, was admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in March 2020.

Kate has openly spoken about the financial issues she has faced being unable to access accounts in Derek’s name without a power of attorney. Kate Garraway’s heart-breaking story of her husband Derek’s year-long battle with Covid has been made even more complicated by the lack of legal protection she and Derek had in place. Kate was unable to access funds to manage her husband’s care or refinance her mortgage. She didn’t even have the legal right to see his medical notes, owing to data protection. Research by Solicitors for the Elderly, (SFE), shows that 65% of us think our next-of-kin will make medical and care decisions for us if we are no longer able to. In reality, this isn’t the case unless a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is in place. Whilst there’s been a rise in the number of enquiries made about Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs) during the pandemic, only 22% of people in the UK actually have one.

To avoid this difficult kind of legal situation it’s important to use a specialist lawyer who is experienced in this area of the law, and is trained to support people making these crucial, complex and difficult decisions. According to Which? 22,000 LPAs are rejected every year so it’s essential that you get your legal documents right.

If you wish to discuss making a LPA, please call us for more information.

KK Law Update

17th August 2020

Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to provide a full service to our clients, albeit save for exceptional circumstances, we have not been having any face-to-face meetings. Following the latest Government Guidance, we will now be relaxing the procedures and with immediate effect, we will be available to meet with you. However, please be aware that any meetings will be strictly by appointment only.

Will Signing - Important Notice

5th June 2020

We have been made aware that there is a common misconception going around that Wills can be signed and witnessed by way of WhatsApp video, Zoom, Microsoft Teams or other media platforms. Whilst we fully understand that you may be very keen to prepare or update your Will during the current pandemic, the requirement is that the Will is signed and witnessed AT THE SAME TIME AND IN THE PRESENCE OF the Testator and Witnesses to ensure it is valid.

Spousal Maintenance Payments and the Coronavirus Pandemic

21st April 2020

Covid-19 has taken over everyone’s daily lives and is a worrying time for many, especially as the financial consequences grow. Many are being furloughed, taking a reduction in wages or being made redundant, affecting many family’s finances. If you are either paying spousal maintenance or in receipt of this, it can be especially worrying. It may be that if you are receiving these payments from your former spouse, you may be approached to vary these if their income has been affected.

Latest Blog from KK Law

Kate Garraway: Finding Derek documentary highlights the need for power of attorney

KK Law Update

Will Signing - Important Notice

Spousal Maintenance Payments and the Coronavirus Pandemic

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