Visions of Immortality from a Legal Perspective (Zoom)

Visions of Immortality from a Legal Perspective

The Club members once again “Zoomed” into a meeting hosted by President John Fernie crouched over his laptop.

Bruce Rollo took to the floor – in a literal sense – to explain the intricacies of creating Power of Attorney and also Wills.

As a retired solicitor Bruce had 35 years of experience winding up some 100 plus estates and advising clients on the benefits of having trusted family or friends taking Power of Attorney on their behalf.

At this difficult time, said Bruce, it is important to turn your minds to practical thoughts concerned with organising financial matters in the unfortunate event of kicking up the daisies.

He described one case in which he attended to the legal needs of a World War 2 veteran who was well into his 90s but had suffered many problems with war injuries for all his life since then. Living in a care home and unable to spend almost anything, he had forgotten about his pensions accruing over a long period. As a result, he had actually saved an enormous amount of money of which knew nothing. In many cases, Power of Attorney is a valuable tool particularly for elderly people who may suffer stress trying to deal with online banking, passwords and so on and trying to look after finances in general and their property. It is then up to those granted the Power to exercise a duty of care.

On the subject of Wills, Bruce surprised his audience by revealing that some 54% of adults in the UK do not have a Will in place. Those who do should perhaps review their Wills every two years.

Bruce advises that when you do have these matters in order, keep your paperwork somewhere safe – a copy if your lawyer has the original.

In a vote of thanks, Iain MacKinnon reckoned Bruce had given a comprehensive view of two significant issues. Summing up, he said it was the first time in the living memories of the entire audience that a lawyer had provided a wealth of advice - without charging for the privilege….