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What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Legal terminology can be more than a little bewildering at times and the area of Wills, Probate and LPAs often causes confusion. A question that is often raised is whether an LPA is needed if you already have a Will in place and our answer is always the same – yes. But why? What does an LPA cover? Let’s answer the question What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
In brief, A lasting power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. The people you appoint to manage your affairs are called the Attorneys. A Lasting Power of Attorney is a separate legal document to your Will, although many people put them in place at the same time as getting their Will written, as part of planning for the future.
There are two types of personal LPAs – a Health and Care LPA and a Property and Financial Affairs LPA
A Health and Care LPA allows your Attorney to make decisions about any medical treatment and day to day welfare. This can include where you live, what you eat, what medical treatment you receive, and who you see.
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your Attorney to handle (and make decisions about) your money and property. This can include paying your bills, selling your property, collecting your pension, and collecting your benefits.
Why should you use a Solicitor to draft your LPA?
We can give you specialised advice about specific clauses that could be included in your LPA, how to appoint your attorneys and how they will operate in practice. If you appoint us to draft your LPAs we not only advise you on these important documents and carefully draft them, we also advise your attorneys and ensure that they have the support they need if the time ever arises where the LPA is needed.
We are always happy to answer any queries you may have – you can find full details of our LPA services here and please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance.
