Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) 
 
Something that is not widely known is that even if you have a well drafted will making things run smoothly after your death isn't so easy. What also needs considering is who will act on your behalf if in later life you lose some capacity. 
 
 

 Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)  Something that is not widely known is that even if you have a well drafted will making things run smoothly after you death isn't so easy. What also needs considering is who will act on your behalf if in later life you lose some capacity.    CONTACT US   

Who can access your bank account to obtain funds to keep the household going? 
 
Who can make decisions for your business (if you have one)? 
 
Who will make decisions about end of life treatment? 
 
Not things that are often thought about, mainly because we don't 
want to. 
About LPAs 
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal tool that allows you to state who you would like to make decisions on your behalf, should you become unable to do so in the future. It lets you choose people you trust to act for you. 
Property and Affairs LPA 
A property and affairs LPA covers decisions about your finances and property. If there comes a time when you can’t manage your finances anymore, the attorney will do this for you. This can include paying your bills, collecting your income and benefits, or selling your house. However, if you wish to, you can restrict their powers, or place conditions on what they can do. It can only be used once it has been registered at the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). 
Health and Welfare LPA 
A health and welfare LPA allows the attorney to make decisions on your behalf about your health and welfare, if there comes a time when you are unable to make these decisions for yourself. 
 
You can also give your health and welfare attorney the power to accept or refuse life-sustaining treatment on your behalf. You will be asked whether you wish to do this or not on the form, and you will need to state your intention clearly. 
Benefits of making an LPA 
There are a number of reasons you may wish to make an LPA: 
 
It can be reassuring to know that, if you are unable to make a decision for yourself in the future, your chosen person will make these decisions for you. 
Making an LPA ensures that the person you want to make decisions for you will be able to do so. This prevents a stranger, or someone you may not trust, from having this power. 
An LPA can reduce problems that may occur in the future. It can be more expensive and time-consuming for family or friends to try to gain a similar power in the future. 
Making an LPA can help prompt discussions with your family or others about your future wishes. 
 
We would strongly advise putting an LPA in place in addition to making a Will. 
 
For more information please call Angela Jane on 01604 953130 mobile: 07825 331447 or click here to contact us.