Lasting Power of Attorney

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to. There are two types: one covering health and welfare, and the other covering property and financial affairs.

Putting an LPA in place provides security for you and reassurance for you and your loved ones, knowing decisions can be made smoothly if the unexpected happens. Of course, we always hope that these documents will not be required, however, they are invaluable in the event that they are needed.

Using a solicitor to prepare a LPA is advised because the document gives another person very wide authority over finances, property, health, and welfare, so mistakes can have serious consequences. It is also important that each document meets the requirements of the Office of the Public Guardian, which can save time, delay, and extra cost later.

I can guide you through setting up LPAs, ensuring everything is properly prepared and registered. This will include:

Explaining the choices clearly, such as who to appoint, whether attorneys should act jointly or separately, replacement attorneys and what powers should be limited or expanded. 

Advise on the role of the attorney to ensure you are able to make an informed decision as to who to appoint.

Provide advice as to how you can document your wishes and prepare your affairs in advance. 

Help ensure the document reflects your wishes properly, which can reduce disputes among family members in the future.

Add an extra layer of protection against errors, ambiguity, pressure, or possible abuse, which matters because LPAs can be challenged if there are concerns about validity or influence.

I totally understand that thinking about LPAs can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to put it off, or think it’s something to deal with later in life. However, we can lose the ability to make decisions at any age, that’s why I’m here to help guide you through the process, step by step. I will visit you at home, discuss your wishes and provide legal advice without using legal jargon. 

I can also guide you through updating existing LPA arrangements when circumstances change.