What Makes Us Different
Specialists In Lasting Power Of Attorney Setup
Expert LPA creation and management.
Comprehensive Guidance For Health And Financial LPAs
Full advice on health and finance LPAs.
Fixed Fee Services For Peace Of Mind
Transparent costs, no hidden fees.
What Is A Lasting Power Of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This can apply to your health, welfare, or financial affairs. LPAs were introduced under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and came into effect on 1 October 2007, replacing the narrower Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA).
There are two types of LPA:
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Health and Welfare LPA – Lets your attorney make decisions about personal care, medical treatment, living arrangements, and whether life-sustaining treatment should be administered, but only if you cannot make these decisions yourself.
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Property and Financial Affairs LPA – Gives your attorney authority over financial matters, including managing bank accounts, collecting benefits or pensions, paying bills, and selling property. Attorneys managing financial affairs must consult professional advisors before making investment decisions to prevent misuse of funds.
Why Setting Up An LPA Is Important
Setting up an LPA protects both you and your loved ones in the event of illness, accident, or age-related conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Without an LPA, family members have no automatic authority to make decisions about your health or finances, which can lead to delays, legal costs, and stress.
Benefits of an LPA include:
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You retain control – Choose the person(s) who will make decisions on your behalf according to your wishes.
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Better outcomes – Trusted attorneys ensure decisions align with your preferences, not made arbitrarily by strangers.
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Less stress for loved ones – Avoids the costly and time-consuming process of applying for a Deputyship Order.
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Flexibility – LPAs can be activated immediately or only when you lack mental capacity.
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Peace of mind – Ensures your affairs are managed responsibly, protecting both your finances and well-being.
Managing And Revoking An LPA
You can appoint different people for different roles, such as separate Health and Welfare and Financial Attorneys, and multiple attorneys can share responsibilities if desired. An LPA can be revoked at any time, provided you have the mental capacity, using a legal Deed of Revocation form. With an LPA in place, you secure your future, give loved ones clear authority to manage your health and finances, and complement other services like wills and probate or conveyancing.
