Lasting Powers of Attorney, explained
What an LPA is, the two types, and why it is worth putting one in place while you can.
A Lasting Power of Attorney lets you choose people you trust to make decisions for you if you ever cannot. It is one of the most practical things you can do to protect yourself and spare your family difficulty later.
Two types
- Property and financial affairs: paying bills, managing accounts, dealing with your home.
- Health and welfare: care, medical treatment and where you live.
Why not wait?
You can only make an LPA while you have the mental capacity to do so. If you lose capacity without one, your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection, which is usually slower, more expensive and more stressful.
Who is involved
You choose your attorneys (and replacements if you like), a certificate provider who confirms you understand what you are signing, and optionally people to be notified when the LPA is registered.
This is general information about the law in England and Wales, not advice about your circumstances.
