In the websites of some organisations which deal with the elderly it is stated that in the case of joint accounts it may not be possible for the account to be used by the other joint account holder in event of mental incapacity of the other party. Presumably this would arise if the bank was formally advised of the situation. I am interested to know what happens in practice as i feel that normally the bank would not be so advised and the other party would continue to operate the account as heretofore on the basis either to sign. I worked in a bank for many years and feel that this is what happens. Of course, there may be situations where one party may be "abusing" the mandate and the other party countermands the mandate but this is not the situation i have in mind. Nowadays with so many people living longer this must be an issue. I appreciate an enduring power of attorney is the answer say if it is wished to sell a jointly owner property.