SOLICITORS today warned that anyone caring for a sick, disabled, or elderly relative faced hefty legal bills after changes to the law about powers of attorney.

Staff from Battens, which has offices in Dorchester and Weymouth, said that people need to act now.

They warned that anyone wanting to grant a power of attorney after October this year will find it potentially a much more complex, time consuming, and expensive exercise.

Currently, a person (the Donor') may create an Enduring Power of Attorney' (EPA), and invariably to a close member of the Donor's family, friend, or professional adviser.

The person then could assume responsibility for managing the Donor's financial affairs if, for what ever reason, he or she can no longer deal with those finances personally.

However, the law is changing in October 2007 in an attempt to prevent attorneys under EPAs being unscrupulous in failing to act in the Donor's best interests.

At present, an Attorney only has responsibility for the Donor's financial affairs, but with an ageing population, the Government feels there is a need to widen the scope of an Attorney's authority.

Although existing EPAs would still be valid after October, they are to be replaced by a new Lasting Power of Attorney' (LPA), which also would be able to cover decisions made by an Attorney on health, welfare, or personal matters.

William Christopher, Battens' private client consultant, said an LPA would need to be registered with the Public Guardianship Office at a substantial additional cost, and on top of likely existing legal fees.

"Along with many other lawyers, Battens Solicitors believes that, in spite of its shortcomings, the existing arrangements for EPAs have great advantages over the much more expensive and complicated new LPA system."

"As a result, we urge anyone considering appointing an Attorney to do so as soon as possible, in order to be in place before the law changes in October. Then they can rest safe in the knowledge that their affairs would continue to be managed by those they trust."

Mr Christopher added: "It is also worth considering making a will at the same time.

"Almost six out of every ten adults in the UK do not have wills. As a result, when they die their assets may well not pass to whomever they would choose to receive them."