Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Following the Mental Capacity Act 2005 which came into effect on October 1st 2007 a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the only certain way to protect your interests should you lose the ability to take decisions for yourself.

A Will protects your interests when you have passed away and an LPA protects your interests while you are alive.

Providing you put this document in place prior to losing mental capacity, you can name who you wish to become your Attorneys (the people you nominate to act on your behalf) and state the powers you want them to have.

There are two kind of LPA available to you:

  • health and welfare
  • property and financial affairs
Lasting Power of Attorney

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Following the Mental Capacity Act 2005 which came into effect on October 1st 2007 a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the only certain way to protect your interests should you lose the ability to take decisions for yourself.

A Will protects your interests when you have passed away and an LPA protects your interests while you are alive.

Providing you put this document in place prior to losing mental capacity, you can name who you wish to become your Attorneys (the people you nominate to act on your behalf) and state the powers you want them to have.

There are two kind of LPA available to you:

  • health and welfare
  • property and financial affairs

 

Health And Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney

This LPA allows you to choose one or more people (called Attorneys) to make decisions about things like:

  • your daily routine (eg eating and what to wear)
  • medical care
  • moving into a care home
  • refusing life-sustaining treatment

This Lasting Power of Attorney can only be used once someone is unable to make their own decisions.

 

 

Property and financial affairs Lasting Power of Attorney

This LPA lets you choose one or more people (known as Attorneys) to make decisions about your money and your property, e.g.:

  • paying bills
  • collecting benefits
  • selling your home

You can appoint someone to look after your property and financial affairs at any time provided you have mental capacity.