Life is unpredictable and there may come a time when you are unable to make decisions about your finances, health or personal welfare.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
Creating an LPA gives you peace of mind that your wishes will be respected and that your loved ones or trusted attorneys can act in your best interests.
We understand that thinking about these matters can be difficult, which is why early legal support is essential to ensure your rights and preferences are protected.
We regularly assist with:
Whether you are planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one, we guide you through the process with care.
Making a Lasting Power of Attorney is a personal decision that affects your future and the people you trust most.
Our expert team can provide you and your family with the reassurance that your decisions are documented accurately and legally.
If circumstances change, we can also advise on updates, registration issues or disputes.
Everyone should consider putting an LPA in place as a precaution, even if you are currently healthy.
If you lose mental capacity due to illness, injury or age, an LPA allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. Without one, your loved ones would need to apply to the Court of Protection to manage your affairs, which can be lengthy, cost more, and may result in someone being appointed whom you would not have chosen.
If your EPA was validly created and the people appointed are still the ones you would choose, it may still be suitable for financial matters. However, EPAs do not cover health and welfare decisions, which were not available before 2007.
You may wish to create a Health & Welfare LPA to ensure your medical care, living arrangements and personal welfare are managed according to your wishes.
You may also want to note that EPAs need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian in the event the donor starts to lose mental capacity. We can assist you with this.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:
You can choose to put one or both types in place.
To make a valid LPA, you must have the mental capacity to understand the decisions involved.
An independent certificate provider confirms that you understand the purpose of the LPA and are making it voluntarily, without pressure. The solicitor preparing the LPA for you can act as the certificate provider. The LPA must then be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used, ensuring your attorneys can legally act on your behalf.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
If you want to put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, need advice on updating an existing LPA, or assistance with registering an EPA, we are here to help.
Early legal guidance can help protect your wishes and provide reassurance for you and your family.
Submit your enquiry and a member of our team will be in touch.
01926 422 101
leamspa@fieldoverell.com
42 Warwick Street
Leamington Spa, CV32 5JS
