What is an LPA?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document in which you appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf under certain circumstances.

A Will takes effect when you die, not before. When you deal with your Will, it makes perfect sense to also consider Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Lasting Powers of Attorney can be invaluable during your lifetime, particularly if you lose the ability to make your own decisions and manage your own affairs.

Nobody plans to lose their mental capacity, but any one of us can have a debilitating stroke, a car accident or develop dementia, leaving us unable to do those things we’ve always done.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

• Your Property & Financial Affairs LPA allows your attorneys to pay your bills, manage your finances, even sell your property.
• Your Health & Welfare LPA allows your attorneys to take care of your personal wellbeing. This may include choosing the right care home for you, ensuring you enjoy the food you are used to and liaising with medical staff about the medical treatment you receive.

Your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to choose the people you would want to be involved if you are no longer able to manage your own affairs. Your attorneys can make decisions for you, when you are not able to.

Generally this is your family, and occasionally your trusted friends. If you’re a business owner, you may entrust your accountant of other professional to be your attorney. Our clients normally appoint between two and four attorneys, but your choice will depend on your own circumstances and needs.

JC Independent Wills & Probate Ltd can prepare Lasting Powers of Attorney for both property and financial affairs and also for health and welfare, which can include authority to speak to doctors about life sustaining treatment on your behalf. 

Like your Will, Lasting Powers of Attorney can be updated or cancelled at any time should circumstances change – and as long as you have the capacity to do so.