Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to make important decisions on your behalf, in the future, if you cannot make them yourself.
Why might you need a Lasting Powers of Attorney?
The Attornies you appoint can make decisions for you at a time in the future when you no longer wish to make those decisions, or you may lack the mental capacity to make those decisions.
There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney:
- A Health and Welfare LPA
- A Property and Financial Affairs LPA
You can appoint an individual or group of people to look after one or both of these.
Contact me today to start making a LPA.
When can Lasting Powers of Attorney be used?
Your Attorney can only act on your behalf with your permission or when you lack the capacity to make decisions for yourself. For example, if you are unconscious or because of the onset of a condition such as dementia.
What happens if you don’t have a Lasting Powers of Attorney?
Every day, thousands of people have unexpected accidents or sudden health issues such as a stroke or heart attack. If this was to happen to you and your mental or physical capacity to make decisions about your property and financial affairs or health and welfare was affected, your next of kin will need to help you.
However, if they don’t have Lasting Powers of Attorney on your behalf they could find themselves in a very difficult situation.
They will have to apply to a court to deal with your finances or health decisions, and this process can take 12 to 15 months and cost about £3,000.
Meanwhile, any bank accounts in your name will be frozen, meaning mortgages and bills may not be paid. Some joint bank accounts may also be frozen.
If you are unwell, your next of kin may also find getting access to information about your health is more difficult. Doctors are increasingly worried about being sued for giving information to family members or allowing them to make decisions about your treatment unless they have a health and welfare Lasting Power of Attorney in place.
Contact me today to start making a LPA.
Make a Lasting Powers of Attorney now
Give yourself and your loved ones peace of mind and write Lasting Powers of Attorney to protect your best interests should the unexpected happen.
Your Attorney can be a member of your family or a friend you trust. The decision is yours to make now. Once you have lost your mental capacity it is too late.
You can give your Attorney or Attorneys the power to deal with your property and affairs and/or your health and welfare. Hopefully they will never have to use it, but it is better to have it in place in case it is suddenly needed.
Contact me today to start making a LPA.
How much does an LPA cost?
It can cost as little as £225 to write your Lasting Power of Attorney. This is considerably less than Court fees further down the line if you become incapacitated.
I can help you write Lasting Powers of Attorney that will meet your specific wishes and give you peace of mind. This can be discussed in person or virtually.
Contact me today to start making a LPA.
I can also write your Will
It’s never too soon to make a Will, but it could be too late. The future is unpredictable. Making a Will, whatever your age, will give you peace of mind that if the worst happens the people you love will be taken care of in line with your wishes.
Many people assume that this will happen anyway. But every family situation is different, and this can have serious implications for how your estate and children are dealt with after your death.
A Will sets out who you want to leave your assets to, who will be the guardians of your young children, and the friends or charities to which you want to leave a gift.
Find out about my Will writing services.
I have been a member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters since January 2005. This means I work to a rigorous Code of Practice, so you have recourse if you are not totally satisfied with my advice.
However, I know you will be. But don’t take my word for it. Read these testimonials from my customers.
If you have any questions about my services please take a look at my Frequently Asked Questions or get in touch.