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What is a A Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (or LPA) is a legal document which allows you to appoint one or more people (attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf. Our Lasting Power of Attorney solicitors can assist you with applying to the Office of the Public Guardian and advising you about what responsibilities and duties your attorneys will have.
There are two types of LPA:
- Health & Care decisions – These can only be used by the attorney(s) after the donor has lost capacity to make those decisions for themselves; and
- Financial decisions – These can be used as soon as they have been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, or alternatively when the donor has lost mental capacity (depending on the donor’s instructions).
Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, it could become very difficult for those close to you to access and manage your bank accounts, savings, investments, or property. Therefore, Lasting Powers of Attorney should be made at a time when you still have the mental capacity to make informed decisions – something that we can fully advise and assist you with at Sweeney Miller.
If you want to appoint or revoke someone as your attorney, or speak to someone about the process, speak to our Wills, Trusts and Estates solicitors by calling 0191 568 2050 or emailing enquiries@sweeneymiller.co.uk
You should seek the advice of a Solicitor who can determine which is the best type(s) for your requirements. However, in most cases, both types of LPA are generally advisable.
Sometimes people want to revoke their Power of Attorney to remove the power of someone making decisions on behalf of them. Depending on the type of Power of Attorney, there are different methods required to revoke it and to avoid lengthy delays and the risk of later challenges, it is important to get specialist legal advice.
