Lasting power of attorney
What is a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions, or make decisions on your behalf.
This gives you more control over what happens to you, should there come a time where you are unable to make your wishes known yourself.
Your ‘attorney(s)’ that you appoint could be trusted individuals, such as family members or close friends.
What can my attorneys help me with?
The decisions that your attorneys make with or for you could be anything from your care arrangements, to private affairs, business, financial or legal matters.
There are two types of LPA:
- Health and welfare
- Property and financial affairs
You can choose to make one type, or both.
Health and welfare lasting power of attorney
This LPA can be used to give an attorney the power to make decisions about things like:
- Your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating
- Medical care
- Moving into a care home
- Life-sustaining treatment
It can only be used when you’re unable to make your own decisions.
Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney
This LPA can be used to give an attorney the power to make decisions money and property, for example:
- Managing a bank or building society account
- Paying bills
- Collecting benefits or a pension
- Selling your home
It can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission.
Create your lasting power of attorney document today
It costs £82 to register an LPA. However, you may be eligible for an exemption or reduction based on whether you receive any means-tested benefits, or your income.
For more information, and to start creating your lasting power of attorney document, please visit the UK Government website by clicking the button below.
Please click here to create a lasting power of attorney document on gov.uk
Get in touch
If you’d like to speak with a member of the St Clare team about Advance Care Planning, we’d be more than happy to hear from you.
Call us on 01279 773700
Email us at [email protected]