Kate Garraway’s case highlights the importance of LPAs

TV presenter Kate Garraway has recently opened up on the financial struggles she has faced as a result of being unable to access accounts in her husband’s name, highlighting the importance of having an LPA in place.

Financial hardship

Kate Garraway has recently discussed the financial hardship she has faced after her husband, Derek Draper, was admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in March 2020 and subsequently placed into a coma.

Kate has spoken about the financial issues she has faced due to the lack of legal protection in place, as she was unable to access funds for her husband’s care and to refinance her mortgage.

Who can make decisions for you without an LPA?

People often wrongly assume their next of kin can make medical and care decisions in the event that they are no longer able to, but this is not the case without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place.

What is an LPA?

An LPA is a legal document that allows a person to appoint someone they know and trust to make health and financial decisions, should they lose the capacity to do so themselves.

People often assume lack of capacity relates to dementia and old age, but people can lose capacity at any time due to accidents or illness.

Kate’s circumstances highlight the importance of having a conversation with your loved ones. Her situation reflects a common occurrence, wherein one partner in a relationship looks after most of the financial aspects.

Thinking about the possibility that illness might affect us or a loved one is difficult, but talking about it and planning for the future is, in fact, a positive step that will help you prepare for whatever lies ahead, and help to ease unnecessary worry, burden, and stress for family and friends.

Are you looking to have an LPA drafted?

It is reassuring to know that someone you trust can make the right decisions for you, if you no longer can.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) drafted by one of Lodders’ Care & Capacity specialists will ensure someone with your best interests at heart can make these decisions. To discuss getting an LPA put in place, please get in touch with us.