For Individuals & Families Powers of Attorney

We can advise on the right Power of Attorney to suit you and your circumstances, providing you with peace of mind for whatever the future holds.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney allows a nominated individual to make decisions for you should you no longer be able or willing to do so yourself. With a Power of Attorney, you can choose a loved one or close friend to help make decisions for you about money, health or both.

It can be set up while you are still willing and able to make your own decisions and would only become ‘active’ when you decide, along with your solicitor or after medical advice.

Powers of Attorney can only be registered by a solicitor or medical professional.

two women having a meeting

Why do I need a Power of Attorney?

Should you become unable to make your own decisions through illness, accident or getting older, you would need someone to make them for you.

Without a Power of Attorney in place, your family or friends have no authority to access your bank accounts or make decisions on your healthcare. This could be costly and time consuming for your loved ones at an already stressful time.

What type is most suitable for me?

There are three types of Power of Attorney available: Continuing Power of Attorney, Welfare Power of Attorney and Combined Power of Attorney.

We can advise on the right Power of Attorney to suit you and your circumstances.

Who can be my attorney?

When appointing your attorney, you should consider someone who you feel knows you well and will act responsibly, in your best interests. There is no limit to the number of attorneys you can appoint, but they must be over 16 and willing to take on the role.

We will carry out an interview with you to confirm you understand the process and are happy to proceed.

What are the benefits of a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney allows you to nominate a family member or friend to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.

This helps to make things easier for your loved ones at an already stressful time, avoiding a situation whereby they may have to go to court to obtain authority to act for you.

Full-service Power of Attorney

We offer a full-service Power of Attorney which means that we will work with you to appoint an attorney, complete the appropriate paperwork and register your Power of Attorney with the Office of Public Guardian.

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Our Awards & Accreditations

  • In 2016, we were one of the first law firms in Scotland to become accredited Living Wage employers.

  • Shortlisted for Firm of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2022.

  • Winners of Corporate & Commercial Team of the Year and Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2020.

  • Our Real Estate team won the Property Team of the Year Award at the British Legal Awards in 2018.

  • Winner of SME of the Year at the Scottish SME Awards 2017, hosted by Scottish Business Insider.

  • Highly Commended for Commercial Team of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2016.

  • In 2019, MacRoberts achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification, a UK Government entry-level information security standard. 

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  • We are active members of the PRIME Programme – an organisation that focuses on ensuring a career in law is open to talent from all economic and social backgrounds.

  • MacRoberts supports the Scottish Business Pledge, a values-led partnership between Government and business that is based on boosting productivity and competitiveness through fairness, equality and sustainable employment.

  • We are supporters of the Partnership for Change, a network of organisations and individuals who share a common ambition to improve diversity on boards and in senior leadership.

  • We are a member of the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI), a UK-based not-for-profit organisation which helps employers build and maintain diverse teams and inclusive cultures through our membership, training, and consultancy services.

  • MacRoberts was awarded enei's Silver TIDEMark for 2023. TIDE is enei's self-assessment evaluation and benchmarking tool which measures an organisation's overall approach and progress on diversity and inclusion.

  • MacRoberts is a Disability Confident employer, and are committed to disability equality across our firm.

  • MacRoberts fully supports flexible working practices and supports family-friendly working practices.

  • In 2022, MacRoberts received a Bronze Award in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index for our commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusivity in the workplace.

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  • MacRoberts is an Associate Member of SELECT, Scotland's largest construction trade association.