1: What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
There is a wealth of information on the internet to help you with this but here is a brief summary.
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’, who are typically trusted friends or relatives) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf.
This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions.
There are 2 types of LPA:
- health and welfare
- property and financial affairs
You can choose to make one type or both.
There’s a different process in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Definitive Guide currently only covers the process for England and Wales. I will write guides for Scotland and Northern Ireland in future. In the meantime please see.
Here for Scotland
Here for Northern Ireland
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
- life-sustaining treatment
It can only be used when you’re unable to make your own decisions.
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
- selling your home
It can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission.
Next…
2: Seven reasons why you should make an Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
