Lasting Power Of Attorney

We offer advice on planning and completing Powers of Attorney to protect you and your family.

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) have been replaced with the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). If you have existing EPA then you do not need to take any action as they remain in force, but you can talk to us about whether you should replace them with an LPA.

Do I need Lasting Power of Attorney?

Everybody should consider implementing an LPA, both to protect themselves and help those close to them who may be left to provide care. It is not just retired people who need an LPA, they cover:

• Providing cover if you are involved in an accident and suffer brain damage and can no longer make decisions affecting your health and finances
• Providing cover if you suffer illness and cannot look after yourselves
• Providing cover in case of dementia.
• Appointing someone to manage your financial affairs in this country if you live or work abroad

What is an LPA?

An LPA is in two parts, Personal Welfare and Property and Affairs

Personal Welfare

Covers welfare matters, including:

• Healthcare, for example giving consent to particular types of health care, whether you continue to live in your own home, perhaps with help and support from social services, or whether residential care would be more appropriate for you.
• If you want your Attorney(s) to have the power to make decisions about 'life-sustaining treatment', you have to expressly give your chosen Attorney(s) the power to make such decisions
• Day-to-day aspects of your personal welfare, such as your diet, your dress, or your daily routine.

It is up to you which of these decisions you want to allow your Attorney to make.

Property and Affairs

You can appoint a property and affairs Attorney to manage your finances and property whilst you still have capacity as well as when you lack capacity.

You can decide to give your Attorney(s) the power to make decisions about any or all of your financial matters.

• Paying your bills
• Collecting your benefits
• Selling your house. 

Who should I appoint?

Typically people appoint relatives or close friends and you should discuss with us the options. They will be asked to sign the LPA and will be fully involved in the process.

What do I need to do next?

Contact us for an appointment to review your circumstances, the initial meeting is free and we will recommend what is best for your circumstances.

How much does it cost?

Our costs are typically £350+VAT (£420) for a straightforward single LPA including the application forms and all advice.

The LPA legislation requires you to register two documents, one for Health and one for Wealth, these cost £150+VAT (£180) each. For a couple you need to register separately so the costs are double. However it is possible to defer this payment but we need to discuss your circumstances.

For a couple we offer a discount where the LPAs are substantially the same and mirror each other, please call us for details.

Does it affect my Will?

No, your will and any trusts you have established are separate legal documents and are unaffected by the LPA, however the value of any inheritance may be affected by the parties who manage your affairs in the event of the LPA being enforced.