Power of attorney

Overview Types of power of attorney Why you might need power of attorney Setting up a power of attorney Paying for a power of attorney Being an attorney

Setting up a power of attorney

You can draw up this document yourself, but most people use a solicitor to draw it up so that nothing is missed.

If you write the document yourself, it’s important you refer to the Scottish Government’s guidance to make sure your document gives your attorneys the necessary powers they may need to make decisions on your behalf.

There is advice available, for example from Age Scotland. The Office of the Public Guardian provides useful guidance.

Once drawn up, your power of attorney document must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. This should be sent along with a registration form which the attorney must sign to confirm they’re willing to act.

There’s a fee to register a power of attorney with them, which everybody has to pay.