Power of Attorney (LPA)
A lasting Power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you give the person you trust the authority to make decisions on your behalf, or to help you make those decisions. This person will be named as your Attorney
Many people think that an LPA is something they will only need in later life, or should they find themselves faced with declining health. But the unfortunate reality is that there is no way of knowing what might happen to you. By acting now, and applying for an LPA, it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that if you should become physically or mentally incapacitated, it will fall to someone else you know and trust to look after your affairs.
There are two types of LPA and they relate to either your property and financial affairs or your personal welfare.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in respect of property and financial affairs can be used to make decisions on things such as:
- buying and selling property
- paying the mortgage
- investing money
- Paying bills
- arranging repairs to property
A property and financial affairs LPA can be used as soon as it is registered i.e. even if you still have metal capacity. This could prove very helpful from a practical point of view. For example, if you have an accident or are required to spend some time in hospital, your attorney could assist by handing your finances and bills during this time until you are able to do so.
Always pick someone you trust to be your attorney. Your Attorney must always act in your best interests.
Without a Lasting Power of Attorney it may be necessary to apply to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy if you lose capacity for any reason, suffering an accident, illness, stroke or any number of unforeseen events that may mean you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself. The appointment of a Deputy is a long and expensive process, which can lead to disputes between family members and the deputy appointed may not reflect your wishes or desires. Being prepared can save a lot of stress and heartache.
It is never too soon to make an LPA. Here at Chris Stevenson Solicitors we can give you specialist advice about what your LPA will need to cover, and by instructing us you can be confident that your LPA will be valid.
Contact our team today about making an LPA on 01302 341243.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in respect of Health and Welfare enables you to choose the person(s) you wish to make decisions about healthcare as well as personal welfare on your behalf, once you are unable to make those decisions for yourself.
A health and welfare Attorney can generally make decisions about things such as:
- where you should live
- your medical care
- what kind of social activities you should take part in
Many people believe that their next of kin have an automatic right to decide how their relatives are treated; not realising that if you cannot make a decision yourself then your doctor is entitled to do whatever is felt to be in your best interests.
You can specify the types of decisions your Attorney can make or you can allow them to make all decisions on your behalf. You can also give them the authority to make decisions about consenting to life sustaining treatment on your behalf.
Without a Lasting Power of Attorney the Court of Protection may have to make decisions on your behalf, rather than those decisions being made by the people you would want to do so. An application to the Court of Protection can be a long and expensive process, which can lead to disputes between family members and may not reflect your wishes or desires. Being prepared can save a lot of stress and heartache.
Making an LPA does not mean you are giving up control – it enables your wishes to be put in place.
It is never too soon to make an LPA. Here at Chris Stevenson Solicitors we can give you specialist advice about what your LPA will need to cover, and by instructing us you can be confident that your LPA will be valid.
Contact our team today on 01302 341243 to discuss how an LPA may assist you or a loved one.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (either property & Finance or health & welfare) – £350 plus VAT plus disbursements
A couple making a Lasting Power of Attorney or a person wanting both Lasting Powers of Attorney – £600 plus VAT plus disbursements
Contact our team today about making an LPA on 01302 341243.