Make a LPA now – can you afford not to?

Can you imagine a situation where you or a member of your family is no longer able to make decisions? Frightening isn't it?

An LPA or Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document, that enables one person to make decisions on behalf of another.

There are 2 types of LPAs - Financial and Welfare.

Financial LPAs enables a person to act on behalf of another if, for example they are ill or disabled and cannot act for themselves. A Welfare LPA enables a person to act on behalf of another if that person does not have the mental capacity to act for themselves, for example in the case of a severe stroke.

Without a LPA, it may be necessary for family members to apply to the Court of Protection for authority. This can be a distressing and lengthy process and is far more expensive than making an LPA. Once all parties have signed the LPAs, they must then be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.

At Wards, we offer free storage and checking services to ensure your forms are completed and signed properly. You will then only need to register your forms with the Office of the Public Guardian when you need to use them. There are advantages and disadvantages to immediate registration and we would be happy to send you further information upon request.

For more information please contact Jenny Pierce who is the Head of the Wills, Trusts and Mental Capacity Team.