Lasting Power of Attorney
You might need someone to act on your behalf
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you appoint one or more people to act for you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions.
There are two types of LPA, one for your health and welfare, and one for your property and financial affairs.
Risks of not having an LPA
If you lose mental capacity without an LPA in place, your family must apply to the Court of Protection to have a deputy appointed to deal with everyday financial matters. This is a slow and very expensive process, costing thousands of Pounds. If you have to use a lawyer it could cost a lot more. If you already have an LPA in place, this will not be necessary.
Health and welfare Lasting Power of Attorney
Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about things like your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating, medical care, moving into a care home and life-sustaining treatment
Property and financial affairs Lasting Power of Attorney
Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you, for example – managing a bank or building society account, paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension as well as selling your home if it were needed.