What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
WHY YOU NEED AN LPA
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people to make decisions on your behalf, should you become unable to make decisions for yourself. This could be due to an accident, illness, or simply old age. There are two types of LPAs: one for health and welfare decisions, and one for property and financial affairs. It's important to have both in place, as they cover different aspects of your life.
Why do you need an LPA?
An LPA can give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected and your affairs will be managed by someone you trust. Without an LPA, your loved ones would need to go through a lengthy and expensive process to obtain a court order to make decisions on your behalf. This can be stressful for them and may not result in the outcome you would have wanted.
Who should you appoint as your attorney?
When choosing your attorney, it's important to choose someone you trust and who understands your wishes. It could be a family member, friend, or professional such as a solicitor. You can appoint more than one attorney and specify whether they can make decisions jointly or independently.
When should you create an LPA?
It's important to create an LPA while you still have mental capacity. If you lose mental capacity before creating an LPA, it will be too late and your loved ones will need to go through the court process to make decisions on your behalf. It's also important to review your LPA regularly, to ensure that it still reflects your wishes and that your chosen attorney is still willing and able to act on your behalf.
Conclusion:
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney is an important step to take at any age, especially for people who may not have considered it yet. It's important to choose someone you trust as your attorney and to create both types of LPA. It may seem daunting, but with my help, it's a relatively straightforward process that can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
