Long-running soap Coronation Street has undertaken an impressive amount of public legal education in recent years thanks to having – until recently – two solicitors living on the cobbles. Storylines have usually centred on trying to keep a resident out of jail, but now the soap has branched out – to lasting powers of attorney.

Emily Deane TEP, technical counsel and head of government affairs at professional body STEP, has briefed writers about LPAs for a story involving Corrie stalwart Audrey Roberts (pictured above, right). ‘David [Audrey’s grandson] is not happy with Audrey’s will and has issues with the organisation she has chosen to bequeath money to,’ Deane said. ‘None of us like to think about being incapable of deciding for ourselves about our money or health. However, as Audrey has found recently, our personal circumstances can change very quickly. There are different types of power of attorney. Having a lasting power of attorney in place means that a trusted family member or friend can make decisions about your health or finances if you lose capacity and cannot decide for yourself.’

Deane says it is a privilege to work on this storyline: ‘It shows millions of people how important good legal advice is for everyone, including ordinary people like Audrey.’

Amen to that, chuck.

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