Hi Elaine ... don't think for one minute you are being dense ....
Helena and Brucie (and everyone else who has helped ME with advice over EPA and subsequently registering) ... I don't want to sound like I am drumming up support to line the bulging wallets of our legal profession .... but you know, what seems like a fairly straightforward piece of paperwork for many people can feel like a 'Sunday rambler suddenly attempting Everest' when you're all over the place with emotions and everything else that's going on .....
In a 'straightforward' situation/family (whatever that is ???) I'd be the first to advocate the DIY approach and saving some money ... but IF there are ANY doubts - about ANYTHING - the cost of drawing up the EPA and making sure it is watertight seems like a nominal insurance fee ..... (in my case £110 for a home visit by solicitor + secretary in tow as witness for me).
I doubt there's anyone here would drive a car without insurance????
Just the way I see legal fees .... (then I don't have a straightforward family!
Elaine - used solicitor to ensure no quibbles about mum's ability to sign EPA a while back ... took advice on registering (amongst other financial bits) more recently then DIY-ed the registration myself - and that was only thanks to the fantastic help here)......
Some days sticking a stamp on an envelope seems like a mean feat ......
Just my thoughts... and my experience.....
Karen, x