What is a lasting power of attorney?

A very important legal document that gives a person or people you know and trust the power to help you make decisions or make decisions on your behalf. There are two types of lasting powers of attorney; a lasting power of attorney for financial decisions involving your money and property and a lasting power of attorney for health and care decisions dealing with your health and care.

Why do I need both types of lasting powers of attorney?

Having a lasting power of Attorney for financial decisions and lasting power of attorney for health and care decisions, ensures that you have control now to appoint someone you know and trust to make decisions on your behalf, should you be unable to do so in the future due to having an accident, a heart attack, a stroke, dementia or other illness.

financial lpa

Lasting power of attorney for financial decisions

A lasting power of attorney for financial decisions gives someone the power to make decisions for you about managing your bank or building society accounts, investments and shares, paying your bills, collecting your benefits or pension, buying or selling your home. As long as it has been registered, it can be used when you are no longer able to make your own decisions or when you need help making decisions.

medical lpa

 Lasting power of attorney for health and care decisions

A lasting power of attorney for health and care decisions gives someone the power to make decisions for you about your day to day routine, medical care, life sustaining treatment, home support or moving into a care home. It can only be used only when you are unable to make your own decisions.

What happens if I don’t have both types of lasting power of attorney?

If you don’t make a lasting power of attorney before you lose mental capacity, a family member or close friend will have to make an application to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy when you are unable to make your own decisions. This is a very stressful, costly and lengthy process.

 

Are you…

wanting to make a lasting power of attorney or check that you have both types?

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