Lasting Powers Of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a document in which you give authority to a named individual or individuals to make decisions and take actions on your behalf.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) that can be created. The more common variety relates to your property and affairs and allows your Attorney to deal with these matters on your behalf. The power given to your Attorney can be wide-ranging and could include, for instance, the collecting of your pension and other benefits, dealing with your bank and handling any investments you have, paying bills, completing tax returns and even buying and selling property on your behalf. The other type of LPA relates to your personal welfare and gives your Attorney the power to handle on your behalf, for instance, the move into a residential care home, making decisions regarding your medical treatment and, if you choose, you can even give your Attorney the power to consent or refuse life sustaining treatment on your behalf.
Both types of LPA stay in force even if you lose mental capacity but the benefit of a Lasting Power of Attorney is not limited to helping manage the affairs of somebody who is mentally incapable. Many people find that through old age or physical infirmity it simply suits them to let other family members look after matters on their behalf and the creation of an LPA gives your family the legal authority to do precisely that.
The creation of an LPA also shows consideration towards those that you would turn to, to help with your affairs particularly if loss of mental capacity became an issue at a time when you want the help of your family and your family want to help you. The last thing that your family needs is to be confronted with endless red tape and ultimately, if the need arises, to become involved with the Court of Protection.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a very effective and simple way of keeping your affairs in order and if you have any concerns about your ability to handle your affairs or if you have such concerns about anybody close to you, you should contact us for advice.
Our aim is to provide you with comprehensive, straightforward advice to help you to plan for the future.
