What is an LPA?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which allows for individuals (known as an attorney) of your choice to make decisions on your behalf whilst you are alive.
An LPA should be made as a preventative measure. If you do not have an LPA in place and you lose mental capacity, the Court of Protection will step in to act on your behalf. This can make any decision relating to your care or finances a lengthy and expensive process as the court supervises every decision made which can cause added stress for your family.
What do LPA’s cover?
There are two different types of LPAs;
- Health and Welfare decisions. This power allows for Attorney to make decisions about your medical care and treatments. You can also make special provisions within this document for your attorneys to follow such as DNR.
- Property and Financial Affairs. This allows for your Attorney’s to make decision about your property, paying bills and your banking.
What is an attorney?
An attorney is someone who you appoint in order to act on your behalf to make decisions when you may not be able to make them yourself.
Who may be your attorney?
Anyone can be your attorney.
It is best to ensure that you can trust Attorney and that they are aware of your lifestyle or know you personally. For example, a partner, child, sibling, close friend or family member.
Who regulates LPA’s?
The Office of the Public Guardian regulates LPAs.
How much to LPA’s cost?
The Office of the Public Guardian charge £82 registration fee per application. At Majorlaw, we offer competitive prices for drafting, registering and completing these applications. By instructing us we will aim to remove some of the added stress and complications that surround the understanding of the LPA documents.
Why Majorlaw?
We are an independent law firm based in the heart of Guildford, who have been offering legal advice to the local community for 25 years. We strive to offer a personalised service to suit you and your family’s needs; contact our team.
The information given on our website and blog is of a general nature and may not be relied upon as legal advice as every case will be different to some extent. We would need information regarding specific circumstances and requirements in order to advise individual clients.
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