Lasting Powers Of Attorney

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Should the unexpected happen and you lose the ability to mentally make sound decisions, appointing a lasting power of attorney is the appropriate thing to do in that manner. A lasting power of attorney protects you from falling victim to unintended wrong decisions during a vulnerable stage of your life, this is the process of giving away your legal authority to someone you trust to make legal decisions on your behalf should you lose the mental capacity to fulfil this. It comes into if you lose mental capacity or if you do not want to make decisions for yourself

There are two types of LPA

• Lasting power of attorney for financial decisions

• • LPA for financial decisions deals with matters regarding your finances, wealth and assets. You do not need to have had lost capacity for it to come into effect, however you can change it so that it becomes the case. A person or an ‘attorney’ with this ability can make decisions on your behalf regarding
    • Buying and selling property
    • Paying the mortgage
    • Investing money
    • Paying bills
    • Arranging repairs to property.
  • The type of decisions made by the attorney can be restricted or loosened according to your wishes. They can make all the decisions or part of the decisions in regards to your financial status.

• Lasting power of attorney for health and care.

• • LPA for health and care handles matters regarding your health and care after you have lost mental capacity. Unlike LPA for financial decisions, this is effective only after you lose mental capacity. The attorney will then have the authority to make pertaining to:
    • Where you should live
    • Your medical care
    • What you should eat
    • Who you should have contact with
    • What kind of social activities you should take part in.
  • In addition, special instructions can be given regarding life saving treatment and life or death situations.

How do you appoint an LPA?

An LPA protects your best interests in a situation where you cannot, it is important you make the correct decisions in regards to such important aspects of your life. Stilirling Ackroyd Legal solicitors are equipped with the relevant level of  experience and expertise in this field to help you make the best decision for the protection of your wealth and wellbeing. 

An LPA is the difference between a secure future and an unstable future, If you wish to discuss your Lasting Power of Attorney, speak to any of our selected professional solicitors or fill in the form and request a call back. 

Alternatively, you can download and fill out the relevant forms from the Office of the Public Guardian.  However taking professional advice can prevent problems later on, especially if you’re unsure of the process or your affairs are complex. 

Once the forms  have been filled the LPA has to be signed by a certificate provider, this must be someone you know but it is better for it to be a solicitor to ensure that you have not been coerced into granting a lasting power of attorney. The LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. 

Should you wish to know more about the services we offer, please feel free to contact our client services department via our enquiries page, or give us a call 0203 058 3365.