In the Media

Following news of a law firm partner allegedly pressuring vulnerable people to grant him Lasting Power of Attorney, Melinda Giles was invited on BBC Essex to discuss how LPAs work and how they can be set up responsibly. In this interview, Melinda outlines the powers granted by an LPA, explains how the donor can stop an LPA from being used while they retain mental capacity, and shares her top tips when making this crucial decision.

Melinda Giles was invited on BBC 5 Live Drive to discuss the misuse of Lasting Powers of Attorney, and the impact this can have on vulnerable people. In this clip, Melinda explains how the significance of LPAs may not be fully recognised by those signing them, the importance of the Certificate Provider in ensuring the donor is fully aware of what they’re agreeing to, and how this can be abused without trusted legal guidance.

Melinda was invited as the featured expert on the Kids Law podcast to discuss how the legal procedures when someone dies affect children. She explains what happens to your possessions when you pass away, the importance of having a will, how she supports families during complex cases and more, helping young people get a better understanding of this important, sensitive topic.

Melinda was a specialist expert on Martin Lewis’ episode on difficult conversations. Here she answered questions from both Martin and the public on several key topics, including the value of having a will, how to protect yourself against someone abusing a Power of Attorney, and why it can be helpful to set up a will trust to protect the legacy you leave vulnerable beneficiaries.

Melinda Giles was a guest on this Money Box Live podcast episode, dedicated to answering questions around giving someone Lasting Power of Attorney, that's the authority to manage your financial affairs in the event that you are no longer able. Melinda discusses what Lasting Power of Attorney is, how it works, when it should be set up and how much it can cost.

Melinda Giles was as a guest on this Money Box podcast to discuss Deputyship after a young disabled man was denied access to a high-interest savings account, despite his parents having a court order to manage his finances. Melinda discusses why banks may stop Deputies doing this, how to fight this decision, and whether someone can pursue a discrimination claim in these circumstances.

Melinda was featured on BBC Breakfast for a segment dedicated to Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). Appearing alongside Sue Clarke of the Alzheimer’s Society, Melinda explained the value of sorting out an LPA for a family member early, the importance of choosing the right attorney, and why it’s crucial to work with a solicitor that specialises in LPAs, wills and probate.

Melinda was interviewed by David Opie on a range of private client topics, including financial abuse, issues relating to mental capacity, and reforms to the law surrounding Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Melinda was the specialist expert for Martin Lewis’ ‘Big Briefing’ on Powers of Attorney. Here she answered pressing questions on what protections are in place to prevent someone from being exploited by their attorneys, the pluses and minuses of having multiple attorneys, and why you may not need to change an Enduring Power of Attorney to a Lasting Power of Attorney.

Melinda Giles appeared as a guest to discuss organisations such as HMRC not accepting digital certificates to prove that you have Lasting Power of Attorney for a relative.

Melinda was brought in as an expert on the panel to comment on the complexities of dealing with family finances after a bereavement, the experiences that people have gone through, strategies to navigate problems.

Melinda appeared on this podcast to provide expert insight into Powers of Attorney, discuss the consequences if these documents aren’t set up correctly, and share her thoughts on the need to modernise safeguards in the UK.

Melinda featured as a specialist in Lasting Powers of Attorney to explain how these are used to help manage and look after the finances of people who lose their mental capacity due to dementia.

Melinda was a guest on this show explaining how to set up a Power of Attorney, and discussing concerns on potential abuses of a relative’s finances.

Melinda joins psychotherapist and author Stella O’Malley to discuss healing the wounds caused by a family rift, coping with the fallout and restoring relationships after a dispute.