Lasting Power of Attorney
An accident or illness can occur at any age. Nobody envisages this happening to them, but if it does and you can no longer handle your own affairs, without LPAs it can be expensive and hard work for your family to do so for you.
An LPA is a legal document in which you appoint a person/people to make decisions on your behalf in case a situation makes you unable to do so. (Such as stroke, accident, illness). The person/s appointed are known as your “attorney”. Normally, people appoint their most trusted family members/friends but you can appoint a professional.
There are TWO types of LPA:
Your attorneys can make property and financial affairs decisions for you with your permission or if you lack capacity. They can manage your property, online banking, pay for bills, utilities etc.
Your attorneys can make decisions on things such as medical treatment and decisions regarding “life sustaining” treatment. This document can only be used if you have lost mental capacity, and are relying on others for your care.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MENTAL CAPACITY AND I DON’T HAVE LPAs?
In this case certain people (sometimes even NHS or care homes) may nominate themselves to the Office of the Public Guardian to become your attorneys (known as a deputyship).The whole process is lengthy which can cause some distress and also far more expensive than having LPAs nominating them written in advance. Also, restrictions are placed on the attorneys such as limits of money amounts handled and keeping records of everything that they have to do on your behalf. If LPAs are available it can save a great deal of time, money and distress.
HOW TO MAKE AN LPA
You must be 18 or over and must have mental capacity at the time the document is written. LPAs do require a bit of thought and this is where professional advice is invaluable. I can also act as the certificate provider for you. I make the whole process very straightforward. Call today or use the contact form for a quote.
