The person might have set up an enduring or lasting power of attorney already.

Ask them, their family or their solicitor, and if they can’t tell you, you can check with the official body for where they live.

• England or Wales: The Office of the Public Guardian
• Scotland: The Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)
• Northern Ireland: The Office of Care and Protection

If you find there is such a power of attorney already in place you should register it (if that’s needed) if you’re named as the attorney or contact the attorney if you’re not. The office you or the attorney contacts will tell you how.

Step 2 – Apply for the power to manage a person’s financial affairs where there is no existing power of attorney?