Hi folks.
Earlier this year my stepfather was moved to a permanent care home after being diagnosed with vascular dementia, postural drop(low blood pressure) and depression.
We have registered his enduring POA and myself and my brother (stepsons) and my mother are joint POA's.
My mother, who has her own health issues but is of sound mind wants to move to a smaller, more suitable retirement property.
We are aware that she can use my stepfathers equity in the property to help with a purchase as an example is available on the .Gov.uk website.
The dilemma we have is with regards to a lifetime mortgage/equity release they have jointly with Aviva. We do have an early settlement figure from Aviva but would my mother be able to use the remaining equity to pay it off or would it be seen as deprivation of funds in the eyes of the local authority.
It is technically a mortgage against the property so would need to be paid but I am struggling to get any clarification.
The conveyancing solicitor handling the move just bats the question back to me even though we have agreed to pay any costs if he can find out from a specialist solicitor.
I just want to keep everything above board and do right for both our parents.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Earlier this year my stepfather was moved to a permanent care home after being diagnosed with vascular dementia, postural drop(low blood pressure) and depression.
We have registered his enduring POA and myself and my brother (stepsons) and my mother are joint POA's.
My mother, who has her own health issues but is of sound mind wants to move to a smaller, more suitable retirement property.
We are aware that she can use my stepfathers equity in the property to help with a purchase as an example is available on the .Gov.uk website.
The dilemma we have is with regards to a lifetime mortgage/equity release they have jointly with Aviva. We do have an early settlement figure from Aviva but would my mother be able to use the remaining equity to pay it off or would it be seen as deprivation of funds in the eyes of the local authority.
It is technically a mortgage against the property so would need to be paid but I am struggling to get any clarification.
The conveyancing solicitor handling the move just bats the question back to me even though we have agreed to pay any costs if he can find out from a specialist solicitor.
I just want to keep everything above board and do right for both our parents.
Any help would be much appreciated.