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There'll often be familial disagreements where money and decisions are concerned. There's no obligation for a person to notify a family member about making, let alone the contents of a will, so I don't think it's fair to criticise POAs for that same point. As a solicitor, unless there are specific legal issues relating to their particular circumstances, I don't agree people generally need legal advice before entering into one. Let alone to fill it in. These days so much information is obtainable online. It's not even legal advice as such, rather a standard explanation of the effect of signing one. Something easily readable in the Office of Public Guardian guidance, which explains the options and they have a useful helpline. The way to avoid abuse is to ensure you 100% trust the Attorney and that they will always act in your best interests. But just as you get people influencing others wills, human nature is such that there'll always be some exploitation, something solicitors cannot prospectively protect against when drawing them up, if there's nothing untoward at that point. Much better to have one than not, if you lose capacity. I agree with the positive comments 15 August 17:36.