Lasting Power of Attorney

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

An LPA is an important legal document which enables you, whilst you have capacity, to plan ahead and choose someone you trust (your Attorney) to make decisions on your behalf in the future.

There are 2 types of LPA:-

• Property and Financial Affairs to protect your assets
• Health and Welfare to protect your well-being

If you should lose capacity to think clearly for yourself, an LPA makes it easier
for the people you trust to act for you when you need it most.

If you own a property an LPA is essential. Should you own your property jointly it needs both owners to make decisions if it has to be sold. If one owner has lost capacity the other owner cannot act alone unless there is an LPA in place. Without an LPA it may be necessary to apply to the Court of Protection which can be costly and take some time.
If you are a sole owner of a property it is important that you appoint an attorney/s to make decisions regarding your property, should you lose capacity.

If you own a business an LPA is invaluable. It is important to consider what would happen if you were unable to make decisions. Putting an LPA in place allows you to appoint someone you trust who understands your business and can take over the day-to-day management.

Don’t assume that a family member or a business colleague will gain the authority to make these decisions on your behalf. To protect your interests and those of your business, you should consider making an LPA.

An LPA should be the cornerstone of an effective business continuity plan.
An LPA will give you peace of mind.

The next steps

It’s never too early to start thinking about an LPA.

Step 1

Choose a person/s you feel confident will carry out your wishes.
Couples may wish to appoint each other and have another person/s acting with them or as a reserve. You don’t have to have a spouse or family member but make sure it’s someone you trust. You can name more than one person. Attorneys must be over 18, fully understand their role and act in your best interests.

Step 2

Decide which LPA is right for you:

• Property and Financial Affairs
• Health and Welfare

Step 3

Exclusively Wills Ltd specialise in drafting LPAs. If you are interested in having an LPA or would like further information, please contact us. We can arrange an appointment to visit you.

We will make it as easy as possible for you and manage the whole process.

DOWNLOAD OUR LEAFLET