Why should I make a Lasting Power of Attorney?
What happens without an LPA?
Lasting Power of Attorney gives you control over what happens to you and your affairs during your lifetime. Without one, there is no guarantee that your wishes will be followed should you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself.
The Court of Protection will appoint someone called a Deputy on your behalf. Imagine someone you do not know operating your bank accounts and investments or deciding where you live and at the same time charging you a fee without you knowing.
What’s more, family members could end up fighting over what’s best for you, and may be burdened with legal complications, delays and additional costs at what is already a difficult time.
The two types of LPAs
Health and Welfare
£350
- Relates to your health and general welfare
- Sets out who can make decisions about your diet, dress and daily routine
- Establishes your wishes about day-to-day care, medical treatment, where you live, and who you allow to make end of life decisions.
Without
- Decisions may be made about your health care and welfare needs that you would disagree with
- You lose the ability to choose who should make health care and welfare decisions for you.
Property & Financial Affairs
£350
- Lets your attorney pay your bills, pay your tax, manage your debts, apply for benefits, manage your bank, building society and other accounts, manage your investments and sell or purchase property on your behalf.
- Needed not only where you have lost mental capacity, but also where you are finding it difficult to get about, or to talk on the telephone.
Without
- Your loved ones won’t be able to manage your financial affairs, which can be difficult if bills are outstanding or assets need to be dealt with (such as selling a house)
- You won’t be able to select a trusted family member or friend (or a professional such as a solicitor) to make decisions on your behalf.
Secure your financial and personal care
before it’s too late.
You don’t need to make both types of LPA at the same time, and you don’t have to grant Lasting Power of Attorney to the same person or people for each type. But, both LPAs give you control over what happens to you and your affairs during your lifetime. Without both, there is no guarantee that your wishes will be followed should you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. Your mental capacity can be compromised by unforeseen circumstances, so a Lasting Power of Attorney is something that everybody should have.
Three simple steps to protecting you and your loved ones
- Speak to one of our team to arrange your home visit appointment. We can visit at a time that suits you, day or evening, seven days a week.
- At your appointment, we’ll talk you through the legal powers of attorneys, who you can appoint, the different types of LPAs and how to structure your LPA.
- Within 28 days, your LPAs will be drafted by our Legal Department and sent back to you for approval. Once signed and witnessed, we can send your LPA to be officially registered.
Suitability for a home visit is dependent on the size and complexity of the estate, and will be assessed on the initial phone call.
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