Lasting Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most powerful legal documents you can have. It allows you to choose, right now, who you trust to make decisions on your behalf, should there ever come a time when you can't make them yourself.
Many people assume LPAs are only for the elderly. They're not. Accidents and illness can happen at any age, and without an LPA in place, even your closest family members may be unable to help you.
What Is A Lasting Power Of Attorney
An LPA is a legal document registered with the Office of the Public Guardian that gives one or more trusted people, known as your 'attorneys', the authority to act on your behalf in certain areas of your life. There are two types of LPA, and we recommend most clients consider having both.
Types of LPA
Property & Financial Affairs
LPA
This LPA gives your chosen attorney the authority to manage your financial and property matters. This can include:
Managing bank accounts and paying bills
Collecting income such as pensions or benefits
Buying or selling property
Making or changing investment
This LPA can be used while you still have mental capacity if you choose, for example, if you're travelling abroad or simply want help managing finances.
Health & Welfare
LPA
This LPA gives your attorney the authority to make decisions about your personal care and medical treatment. This can include:
Where you live and who you are cared for by
Day-to-day care such as diet and daily routine
Medical treatment decisions
Life-sustaining treatment decisions (if you choose to grant this)
This LPA can only be used when you no longer have mental capacity to make these decisions yourself.
Why An LPA Is So Important
Without an LPA, if you lose mental capacity, your family would need to apply to the Court of Protection for a 'deputyship order' to manage your affairs. This process is:
Lengthy: It can take many months
Expensive: Court fees and legal costs can run to thousands of pounds
Stressful: At an already incredibly difficult time
Uncertain
The court may not appoint who you would have chosen
An LPA removes all of this. You make the choice now, when you have the capacity to do so.
When To Put An LPA In Place
The answer is simple: now. An LPA can only be created while you have mental capacity. Once you've lost it, it's too late. We encourage everyone over the age of 18 to consider having LPAs in place, not because anything is likely to happen, but because it gives you and your family security for whatever life brings.
How We Help
Completing an LPA involves detailed forms and a registration process with the Office of the Public Guardian. We handle all of this for you:
We explain your options clearly and help you choose your attorneys
We complete all the forms accurately on your behalf
We submit the application for registration
We keep you informed throughout the process
Our thorough approach means fewer delays, fewer errors, and a smoother journey from start to finish.
The Application Process
Once your LPA is drafted and signed, it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. Registration currently takes approximately [X] weeks. We will guide you through every step, from completing the certificate provider section to submitting the application and tracking its progress.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose more than one attorney?
We recommend reviewing your Will after any major life event, marriage, divorce, a new child, a house purchase, or a significant change in your finances. In any case, reviewing it every three to five years is good practice.
What if my attorney is unable to act?
In England and Wales, a handwritten Will can be legally valid, but it must meet strict requirements. A professionally drafted Will gives you far greater certainty.
Can I cancel my LPA?
Yes. As long as you have mental capacity, you can revoke an LPA at any time.
Ready To Get Started?
Book your no-obligation consultation today. We'll discuss your circumstances, answer your questions, and explain exactly what we can do for you.