Lasting Power of Attorney
What happens if you can’t look after things anymore? A Lasting Power of Attorney (an LPA) gives a person you trust the power (an "Attorney") to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to do so.
In everybody’s lifetime there is the possibility that there might come a time when we are becoming too frail to look after our own affairs or even cannot handle our daily life, due perhaps to a sudden accident or illness. Whatever the cause its prudent to consider who would take responsibility.
A Lasting Power of Attorney allows your Attorney to make decisions on:
- Buying / Selling Property.
- Claiming benefits on your behalf.
- Consent or refusal of medical treatment.
- Dealing with your Tax affairs.
Let us help you with your Lasting Power of Attorney, it is an inexpensive way to guarantee your future is what you want it to be, call 01270 757658 or click here to contact us.
The LPA legislation came into force on 1st October 2007, replacing the rules for Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA). Existing EPAs remain valid, but only LPAs can be made from that date forward. LPAs come in two versions
- LPA Property & Affairs dealing with financial matters such as your house, bank account, savings.
- LPA Personal Welfare dealing with healthcare, medical matters and so forth.
The person (or people) you appoint as attorney are obliged to act in your best interests, and you can be rest assured that throughout the process all your money and assets remain yours – ownership does not shift.
Furthermore, you can place restrictions on your chosen attorney(s) within the document if you feel that would be appropriate in your circumstances.
An LPA is often best done at the same time as making your Will.
The temptation is to think “nothing like that will happen to me” and of course we don’t want to consider that it might happen, so we put nothing in place.
So what happens if there is no LPA in place?
There is a procedure set out in that case - your relatives would firstly have to apply to the Court of Protection, in order to be appointed your Deputy. This in itself can be a lengthy process, creating major worry and cost. In addition to that each time an application is made to the Court of Protection a fee has to be paid, and again lengthy delays could occur. It means that choice is taken away from you, which might mean that someone you do not like could take control of your finances or could be appointed to speak on your behalf on medical issues.
Take control of the future by making an LPA now.
Telephone us for an initial chat about what is invloved. We are always happy to discuss your initial requirements by telephone, and answer any questions you may have.
We are committed to delivering the kind of service we would wish to receive ourselves. Our goal is to provide:-
- a high quality, confidential service,
- in a friendly manner,
- at a reasonable price
Let us help you with your Lasting Power of Attorney, it is an inexpensive way to guarantee your future is what you want it to be, call 01270 757658 or click here to contact us.