A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) (previously called Enduring Power of Attorney) is a legal document which allows you to appoint someone you trust (who is called your attorney) to make decisions on your behalf and manage your finances and affairs should you become unable to do so yourself as a result of physical or mental incapacity. An LPA can also be an invaluable document if someone just wants some assistance with their financial affairs even if they still have physical or mental capacity.

Lasting Powers of Attorney are helpful if a person has lost physical or mental capacity to deal with their own affairs, however these can also be an invaluable document if someone just wants some assistance with their financial affairs.

Although it may be an unpleasant thought that you may one day lose capacity to sort out your affairs, this is something that could happen to anyone and it is competent to know that if it did, someone who you know and trust would be able to assist you.

Without an LPA, an application may need to be made to the Court of Protection in London to appoint a Deputy to act on your behalf. This process is much more time-consuming and expensive and could result in your assets being frozen until such time as a Deputy is appointed. Therefore from a practical and financial point of view we would always advise a client to draft an LPA whilst they have the capacity to do so. Whenever we meet with clients to draft Wills we also recommend that they draw up a LPA as a "just in case" document which may never be needed but can save a lot of hassle and expense if it is. We can assist with the drafting of an LPA and can also advise clients about the implications of creating such a document. We are also able to apply for the registration of Lasting and Enduring Powers of Attorney and are more than happy to act as a client’s Attorney where this is desirable.

Call 01792 773 773 or tell us how we can help you here.