If I have an accident and I'm left in a coma, can my wife access my personal bank account without a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Answer

Your wife would not automatically be able to access your finances and would have to go through the Court of Protection which would control your assets. The idea behind this court is to safeguard the assets of vulnerable people. That’s why it is so important to grant someone you trust Lasting Power of Attorney to avoid problems in the future. The Court of Protection charges to deal with your affairs and the process can be very long winded which can prevent them from making decisions that you may need answers for quickly. The charges that are made can reduce the money you had available.