Planning ahead is not only about making a Will. There are times in life when you may need to put legal arrangements in place to protect your assets, support a loved one, or ensure someone you trust can act for you if you are unable to. At Howard & Co., we have been helping families across Barnsley, Penistone and South Yorkshire with private client matters since 1976. Our approach is straightforward, practical and tailored to your circumstances.
A General Power of Attorney lets you give another person legal authority to deal with your affairs on your behalf. This can be helpful if you are going to be away, unwell for a short period, or simply want someone else to manage specific tasks for you. For example, you might want a trusted family member to sign documents, manage bank accounts, or handle a property transaction while you are unavailable.
General Powers of Attorney are usually used for a limited time and only while you still have mental capacity. We will talk you through what powers you want to give, who is suitable to act for you, and how to keep control of the arrangement. We then prepare a clear document that reflects your wishes and protects your interests.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is designed for the future. It allows you to choose people you trust (your “attorneys”) to make decisions for you if you ever become unable to do so yourself. Many people put an LPA in place for peace of mind, knowing that their affairs will be handled by someone they have chosen, rather than leaving decisions to chance.
There are two types of LPA:
Our team will help you understand the difference, decide what you need, and complete the application properly. We also deal with the registration process so your LPA is valid when you need it.
If someone has already lost mental capacity and has not made a Lasting Power of Attorney, their loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to act on their behalf. This authority is normally granted through a Deputyship Order, which gives a deputy legal power to manage finances or make decisions for the person who lacks capacity.
We understand that this situation often arises at a stressful time. We will guide you through the application, prepare the paperwork, explain what information is needed, and support you in meeting the Court’s requirements. Our goal is to make sure the right protections are in place quickly and correctly, with as little worry for you as possible.
A trust is a legal arrangement where one person (the trustee) holds assets for the benefit of another (the beneficiary). Trusts are commonly used to protect property or money for children, vulnerable adults, or to manage family wealth in a structured way. They can be set up during your lifetime or through your Will.
Trusts can be useful in many situations, for instance:
Every trust must be drafted carefully, with clear rules about what the trustees can do, when the beneficiary can benefit, and how the trust should be managed. We will explain your options in plain English, advise you on whether a trust is right for your aims, and prepare the necessary documentation to put it in place properly.
We offer fixed fees for Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection applications and trust matters, so you know where you stand from the outset. If your situation is more complex, we will provide a clear estimate before any work begins.
If you would like advice on Powers of Attorney, trusts, or Court of Protection matters, please get in touch. We are here to listen, guide you, and put the right safeguards in place for you and your family.
Civil & Contractual Disputes – breach of contract, consumer rights, debt recovery.
Accident & Personal Injury Claims – road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, slips and trips.
Employment Disputes & Claims – unfair dismissal, redundancy, workplace discrimination, settlement agreements.
Residential Conveyancing (Buying & Selling Property) – Moving home, re-mortgaging, equity transfers.
Commercial Property Transactions – Handling the process of buying, selling, or leasing business premises.
Landlord & Tenant Matters – Tenancy agreements, disputes, lease renewals.
Divorce & Separation – Divorce proceedings, financial settlements, mediation.
Prenuptial & Cohabitation Agreements – Protecting assets before or during a relationship.
Child Arrangements & Custody – Residence, contact, parental responsibility.
Financial Provision & Maintenance – Child maintenance, spousal support, division of assets.
Local Authority Involvement & Social Care Cases – Advice if social services are involved with your family.
Care Proceedings & Court Hearings – Representing parents, guardians, and children.
Advice for Relatives & Interested Parties – Grandparents, extended family, and carers seeking rights or involvement.
Emergency Protection & Interim Orders – Urgent legal support when children are at immediate risk.
Making a Will – ensuring your wishes are carried out and assets protected.
Probate & Estate Administration – dealing with a loved one’s estate, from paperwork to distribution.
Lasting Powers of Attorney – appointing someone to make decisions on your behalf.
Trusts & Asset Protection – setting up trusts to manage inheritance, protect property, or plan for future care.
07876 220431
© Howard & Co Solicitors LLP. All Rights Reserved. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, registration number 8000040.