Lasting Power of Attorney

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and why consider making one?

LPA is a document that allows you (the Donor) to plan ahead by choosing one or more people (your Attorneys) to act and make decisions on your behalf.

There are 2 types of LPA:

1. Property and Financial Affairs

   Attorneys can manage your finances and property both when you have mental capacity, and when you lack mental capacity. Your Attorneys can buy and sell property, paying bills, dealing with your tax affairs, operating your accounts, and claiming benefits on your behalf.

2. Health and Welfare

   Attorneys can only make decisions about your health and welfare when you lack the capacity to make them for yourself. They can make decisions about where you live and they may consent to or refuse medical treatment.

   Why make a LPA?

   What happens if you were involved in an accident or suffered a debilitating illness? How would your partner or family deal with your finances? your property? If you own your property with your partner, if one of you is incapable of signing paperwork, then you will have to apply for a Court Order.

   Why make a LPA now?

   Wait and cross that bridge when you come to it? You have the capacity to make an LPA so wouldn't it be better to sort it now and have it stored safely?

   The Process

   Complete the form and choose an Attorney(s) – you can decide if they act together and separately. You can add conditions. e.g. a...