Have any of you ever had Power of Attorney and is it best avoided ?
A relative of mine can no longer speak and  needs 24 hour care. I would hate to see the solicitors eat up all of her money in fees.

An Lasting Power of Attorney(any other isn't worth having IMHO)can be completed online. Should cost around £150. I would always advise a joint & severally LPOA so that more than one person can act & in the event of one of the attorney's no longer being able to act the LPOA continuing. The attorney can be anyone suitable-relative, close friend etc doesn't have to be a solicitor. I always advise clients to have at least 2 people on a LPOA, All the information is on the Government website

If there is no LPOA & the person can no longer act(ie become mentally unable to act for themselves)than it does get expensive as you have to apply to the Court of Protection in order to act for someone else

We've had POA (the old type) with several elderly relatives. It was absolutely essential in order to look after their affairs when they were in residential care or just unable to cope with paying bills etc. It doesn't stop them writing cheques/going to the bank for cash (if that is appropriate) etc, but does mean that someone else can keep any eye on things or take over when necessary. Although my OH and I aren't at that stage yet, we will get POAs in place BEFORE we get too old so that our children can step in if/when necessary.

You can also get a POA and have it pending for when it's needed and not have to act on it straightaway. So the person has the independence but the POA kicks in as soon as you need it to. A lot easier having POA signed while relative is still of sound mind then having to go to court of protection and all the hoops you need to jump :)
Good luck
Lea x