Morning all
Posted on various other threads - mum is currently in intermediate care after an operation (hip following a fall). Moved to a community hospital a week ago ahead of a decision on whether she will return home, or move into a care home (early signs pointing to the latter). We have an assessment at dad's home on Friday to look at the house etc.
Long story short - we didn't set up Power of Attorney while mum was still aware enough of things, she's long past that stage now. I wrongfully (and naively) assumed that dad as her husband would be able to continue dealing with their finances as he has been for years. They have a joint current account, a joint savings account and dad has his own personal savings account).
So we're now looking into applying for Deputyship asap. I'm worried the bank will freeze the joint accounts if they find out about mum's Alzheimer's.
What I'd like to know is whether or not it's realistic to apply for it ourselves, or if we will need to appoint a solicitor to sort. Naturally keen to avoid dad forking out money if he doesn't have to - and I've seen some staggering sums for Solicitors to do it. From what I can see - if we do it ourselves the initial application will be £371, then a yearly fee of either £320 for general supervision, or £35 for minimal supervision. Finally, I see there will also be a security bond which will be assessed - this part worries me as I assume this could be where cost wrack up?
If anyone has any experience of applying, either themselves or through a solicitor I would really appreciate it.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
Posted on various other threads - mum is currently in intermediate care after an operation (hip following a fall). Moved to a community hospital a week ago ahead of a decision on whether she will return home, or move into a care home (early signs pointing to the latter). We have an assessment at dad's home on Friday to look at the house etc.
Long story short - we didn't set up Power of Attorney while mum was still aware enough of things, she's long past that stage now. I wrongfully (and naively) assumed that dad as her husband would be able to continue dealing with their finances as he has been for years. They have a joint current account, a joint savings account and dad has his own personal savings account).
So we're now looking into applying for Deputyship asap. I'm worried the bank will freeze the joint accounts if they find out about mum's Alzheimer's.
What I'd like to know is whether or not it's realistic to apply for it ourselves, or if we will need to appoint a solicitor to sort. Naturally keen to avoid dad forking out money if he doesn't have to - and I've seen some staggering sums for Solicitors to do it. From what I can see - if we do it ourselves the initial application will be £371, then a yearly fee of either £320 for general supervision, or £35 for minimal supervision. Finally, I see there will also be a security bond which will be assessed - this part worries me as I assume this could be where cost wrack up?
If anyone has any experience of applying, either themselves or through a solicitor I would really appreciate it.
Thanks for taking the time to read.