The Next of Kin Myth
There’s a strong belief that if someone loses capacity to make decisions for themselves for some reason – perhaps an accident or dementia – then the next of kin can take responsibility.
But actually both the concept and the rights of next of kin are not as clear cut as we might think. Here are a few myths that need dispelling.
Partners are automatically next of kin
We might assume that a wife, husband or other legal partner takes precedence above all others in the role of next of kin. And then if there is no partner, perhaps parents come next. But what about adult children? Perhaps we need this set out formally somewhere.
The truth is that ‘next of kin’ can be anyone that an individual chooses. But, actually, who that person is tends not to be as important as we might think.
Next of kin can make decisions in a medical emergency
If someone is in A&E with a medical emergency, it will be the medical professionals who decide on the best urgent course of action. Next of kin will be notified, but they are not the decision makers. Anyone who has formally be named as an attorney in a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare has a say in a person’s care, but next of kin have none, bar the professionals’ willingness to talk to them.
If the family get on, you don’t need to bother with an LPA
This is another confused issue, and even legal advisers have been known to suggest that as long as the family can work together, they don’t need to set up Lasting Powers of Attorney. But attorneys have legal powers that family members do not that mean they can act quickly.
Next of kin can take over management of bank accounts
Rules around who can manage bank and savings accounts, control bill payment and access cash on behalf of an individual are very stringent. Even borrowing someone’s debit card to do a bit of shopping or get cash out of an ATM is actually illegal. That’s a good thing on the whole, because the rules are there to protect the individual.
There are things you can do in the short term to help manage your parent’s affairs. The best way through these rules though is to have a Financial and Legal Lasting Power of Attorney already in place, which the attorney can then register with banks and other institutions to take responsibility for accounts.
You can always apply to the Court of Protection if need be
If you haven’t got an LPA set up for Health and Welfare and/or Finance and Legal, then if you want to have any responsibility, you’ll have to apply to the Court of Protection for Deputyship. This is currently taking months, and is far more expensive than setting up LPAs in advance. So yes, you can apply, but you’d be much better avoiding it with a bit of advance planning.
Setting up LPAs is expensive
You can choose to use a solicitor or other legal professional to help you set up an LPA, or you can go online and do it yourself. It’s reasonably straightforward to opt for the downloadable version to create applications yourself. The important thing is to do it now, not just for your parents while they have capacity, but for yourself too. Life happens, and if you’re incapacitated for some time, it’s going to be incredibly helpful to your family or supporters if they can swiftly take responsibility for money and welfare.
Worth a read
This article applies especially to England and Wales, but the situation across the rest of the UK is similar.
Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash
Power od ttorney is all very well when you are rich and have close family If you don’t it is a minefield. In this country we have the worst legal sytem anyone could imagine. I have had experience of this over the last 4 years where a GP refused to understand or act when I was diagnosed with PTSD caused by trauma from surgery after having plastic pelvis mesh used in a 20 min procedure by the NHS. I am not alone 1000s of women in this country and millions world wide have suffered physically and mentally. I was on… Read more »
Thanks for your comment Lynda, and I’m sorry you’ve had such a bad experience and are going through such pain. Just on the subject of Lasting Power of Attorney, I would say that personally we have found it invaluable in supporting family who have lost the capacity to make decisions for themselves. My husband is currently managing dozens of accounts set up by his aunt, who doesn’t remember anything now other than the names of her relatives and carers. You do need to be able to trust your attorneys to work in your interests though. If you’re concerned that LPA… Read more »
Dear Kathy, I have approached Age UK 3 times in the last few years Each times it has been a waste of time. The first time I was told that the Winchester office was nearest to my old address. I had been told I needed to fill out a 40 page form to change from DLA to PIP. The initial face to face was distressing and done by a woman whose first words were”don’t worry I am not here to catch you out just to check a few things on your form to make sure you are applying for enough… Read more »
I am truly sorry about the very difficult time you are having with the various agencies Linda, and you are certainly not alone. I could suggest Citizens Advice, but they like the other charities are swamped right now and probably not giving the support that they would like. I’m grateful to you for taking the time to share your experience, because it will help others to know that they’re not alone, even if I can’t do any more than point you to organisations with more resources than I have. I do hope your situation is resolved. Best wishes, Kathy