An LPA ensures the people you trust can step in and manage your affairs if you ever lose the capacity to do so yourself.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents you can put in place — yet it is one of the most frequently neglected. An LPA authorises people you trust to manage your affairs if you lose mental capacity through illness, accident or old age.
Without an LPA in place, your family has no legal authority to manage your bank accounts, pay your bills, make healthcare decisions on your behalf, or deal with your property. The alternative — applying to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship order — is a slow, expensive and emotionally draining process that can take many months.
An LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. This currently takes several months — which is why early planning is so important.
Authorises your chosen attorneys to manage your finances while you still have capacity (if you choose), or only once you have lost it. Covers bank accounts, investments, property, bills and tax.
Authorises your chosen attorneys to make decisions about your care and medical treatment only when you no longer have capacity to make those decisions yourself.
We strongly recommend putting both types of LPA in place. They cover different aspects of your life and together provide comprehensive protection.
We discuss who you would like to appoint as attorneys and advise on any restrictions or instructions you wish to include.
We prepare your LPA forms and guide you through the signing process, which must be witnessed and certified correctly.
We submit your LPA to the Office of the Public Guardian for registration and keep you updated throughout the process.