Why do you need a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Most of us will spend the majority of our lives enjoying great health and happiness. Nonetheless, it is also prudent to plan for unknown or unexpected circumstances.
Lasting Powers of Attorney are official legal documents that enable you to set out what you want to happen should your life circumstances change through illness or death of a loved one. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document. It enables you to appoint one or more people (your ‘attorneys’) to make decisions on your behalf in the future. This could be if you no longer want to make decisions for yourself or if you lose the mental capacity to do so.
Different Types of LPA
An LPA has to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it comes into force. There are two types of LPA.
The Property and Financial Affairs LPA can be used while you still have mental capacity. Otherwise, you can state that you only want it to come into force if you lose capacity. For example, this type of LPA can be used to buy and sell property, to pay bills or to arrange repairs to your property. Once registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, it can be used immediately or held in readiness until required.
The Health and Welfare LPA can only be used once you are unable to make your own decisions. However, you will need to agree to this while you still have capacity. Your attorneys will be able to make decisions such as your day-to-day medical care, moving into a care home or life-sustaining medical treatment.
If you want to appoint someone to act on your behalf in financial or medical decisions, you need to act now. For those looking for the peace of mind that comes with the support of a professional solicitor in drafting your documents, I can assist.
As a Cambridge-educated lawyer with 20 years of experience as an academic and practising solicitor, I am more than willing to support you through the process. I am based at 16 Queens Close in Countesthorpe. Please call me now to discuss your options without obligation. Visit www.georgina-powell.co.uk
Georgina Powell LLM (Cantab) Freelance Solicitor
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