A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is an important legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make certain decisions for you should you lose the capacity to make those decisions for yourself. An LPA can also be used if you require someone to assist you temporarily with looking after specific financial affairs.
There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney:
- Property and Financial Affairs.
- Health and Welfare.
The process and the decisions required to make an LPA may seem daunting. Our highly skilled specialists at Berlad Graham LLP will make things easier to understand, guiding you through each step of the legal process.
Please feel free to call our team today on 0330 175 5655 and let us help you.
Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors
Mental capacity can be lost for many reasons, not just through old age. A sudden illness or an accident could happen at any time, leaving you unable to make your own decisions, permanently or temporarily. Many assume that a spouse or next of kin would have the authority to make decisions on their behalf in this situation. However, without the correct LPA, family members will not automatically have the right to do so. Instead, they would need to go through a lengthy, often stressful, and much more costly process of applying for a Court of Protection Order.
By taking charge now and creating a Lasting Power of Attorney while you are mentally able to do so, you are ensuring that you have someone you trust and that you have nominated yourself to make decisions that are in your best interest about your finances and welfare.
For expert advice about making a Lasting Power of Attorney, please get in touch with our team today to discuss the next steps. Our friendly and accessible team of Power of Attorney solicitors can guide you through the entire process, including registration with the Office of the Public Guardian.
What are the different types of Lasting Powers of Attorney?
- A lasting power of attorney for Property and Financial Affairs – allows the nominated (attorney) to take care of your financial assets. A Financial Affairs LPA can cover items such as managing your bank accounts, paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension, or selling or purchasing property, such as your home.
- A lasting power of attorney for Health and Welfare – allows the nominated (attorney) to make decisions regarding your day-to-day welfare. A Health and Welfare LPA can cover items such as decisions about your medical care, your daily routine (including washing and eating), moving into a care home and decisions on life sustaining treatment.
A Health and Welfare LPA will only come into effect when someone loses mental capacity, but a Property and Financial Affairs LPA will come into effect as soon as it is registered.
Therefore, LPAs must be drawn up very carefully by an expert who understands this complex area of law. For example, due to its immediate effect, a Property and Financial Affairs LPA should include very clear instructions about what authority the attorney has and when it can be used.
Solicitor for Lasting Power of Attorney Near Me
Our Lasting Power of Attorney solicitors can assess what information is required, consider your circumstances, and ensure the Lasting Power of Attorney is fully comprehensive so that your wishes are effectively carried out and no stone is left unturned.
Berlad Graham LLP has multiple accreditations ensuring the highest standards are delivered to our clients. Our reputation, compliance and risk culture are extremely important to us, as it ensures that we provide a transparent, trustworthy and high-quality service.
We can also provide specialist advice regarding the following:
- Court of Protection and Deputyship applications.
- Protecting vulnerable clients.
- Lasting Power of Attorney and Deputyship Disputes.
- Wills and Estate Planning.
- Estate Administration.
- Wills and Probate Disputes.
We are here to support you and are in it together. Call our team today on 0330 175 5655 or email info@bglaw.co.uk and let us help you protect your future.
Berlad Graham LLP has a strong team of multilingual solicitors who can assist in a variety of legal matters – find out more about our team of Multilingual Solicitors.