Shropshire-based PCB Solicitors is urging those across the county to consider now who they would want to deal with important financial and health issues on their behalf should they become incapable of doing so themselves, before it’s too late.

Pauline Davies of PCB Solicitors, said: “The current soap storyline sees patriarch Zak Dingle becoming increasingly distracted and detached from reality, constantly talking to himself and doing erratic acts such as burying money under rocks. He no longer has the mental capacity to make important decisions or even the need for them, and without a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, he risks his reviled son having control over his affairs.

“This is of course an extreme scenario, but being incapacitated due to a short term illness or accident can have the same implications, with day to day matters including banking, property and healthcare not being dealt with for weeks or even months. In these situations, a Lasting Power of Attorney would come into effect immediately and the appointed person(s) would be legally entitled to make decisions on your behalf.

“Without one, the Court of Protection can appoint a deputy who will manage your affairs on your behalf, which may result in your important affairs being put in the hands of someone you mistrust or who may not have your best interests at heart. Not only that, but leaving it until after the event can also be a hugely costly, stressful and lengthy process.

“It is therefore vital that people consider getting a legal and valid document drawn up and agreed while they are still able to, to ensure that should the worst happen, vital decisions affecting your life will still be made and, most importantly, by those you want to make them.”