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Start NowThere is no way any of us can predict whether we may encounter a loss of mental or physical capacity. Unfortunately, these situations can occur at any time and bring with them difficult situations and decisions. This is when having a lasting power of attorney in place can be life-changing.
Our specialist solicitors can advise you if an LPA is the right path and assist you with the whole legal process.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial legal document that empowers someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself.
This encompasses not only financial and legal matters but also personal welfare decisions. You can specify the conditions under which these decisions are made and provide instructions to ensure they reflect your preferences.
There are two types of LPA that our solicitors can assist you with:
Property and Financial Affairs: This LPA allows your chosen individual to manage your finances, including accessing bank accounts, paying bills, and overseeing investments.
Health and Welfare: This LPA enables your appointed person to make decisions regarding your personal care and medical treatment, ensuring your well-being is managed according to your wishes.
It's important to remember that being married or in a civil partnership does not automatically grant your partner the authority to handle your affairs. Without an LPA, they would be unable to make decisions about your finances or healthcare.
An LPA can only be established while you are of sound mind and have the mental capacity to make these decisions.
Control and Choice: An LPA allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs, ensuring decisions are made according to your wishes. You can specify the scope and timing of their authority.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your financial, legal, and personal matters will be handled by someone you trust provides reassurance that your affairs will be managed as you would want.
Avoids Legal Complexities: Without an LPA, if you lose capacity, your loved ones may face lengthy and costly court procedures to obtain the authority to make decisions on your behalf.
Flexibility: You can choose different individuals for financial and health decisions if you prefer. This ensures that your needs are met by the person best suited to handle specific aspects of your life.
Immediate Support: An LPA allows for prompt decision-making and management of your affairs, avoiding delays in critical situations, such as sudden illness or incapacitation.
Protection: By outlining your preferences in advance, you help prevent potential disputes among family members about who should make decisions for you.
Personal Care: The Health and Welfare LPA ensures that your personal and medical care preferences are followed, even if you cannot communicate them yourself.
Financial Management: The Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows for seamless management of your finances, including paying bills, handling investments, and managing assets, ensuring your financial stability is maintained.
Customisation: You have the ability to tailor the LPA to fit your specific needs and circumstances, providing a personalised approach to managing your affairs.
