Lasting Powers of Attorney

Managing your affairs in later life can become more difficult and it is wise to nominate someone whom you trust to look after your affairs, should the time come when you become mentally or physically incapacitated.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) which replaces the Enduring Power of Attorney, enables you to choose who you would like to manage your property, financial and general affairs should you become unable to manage them yourself, and gives that person the measure of power that you define. Your choice of Attorney can be altered at any time, but comes into play either when you choose or when your mental health declines (subject to certain safeguards imposed by the Court of Protection). The news LPA’s can extend beyond dealing with your financial affairs to personal welfare matters and decisions, if you so wish. You will be able to place restrictions on what exactly your Attorney can deal with, such as Property or restricting medical decisions. But probably the most significant change is the requirement that LPA’s must be registered with the Court of Protection before your Attorneys can act and this may take up to 5 weeks. Your attorneys will have the power to decide on issues such as where you live, your care and medical treatment. They may also give or refuse consent to carrying out or continuation of medical treatment, according to your wishes, although they cannot act if you are still capable of making those decisions yourself.
We can advise you on:-

• The choice of Attorney or Joint Attorneys
• The level of signature or authority that is appropriate
• Restrictions that you would like to impose
• The duties of Attorneys

For more information about our Lasting Powers of Attorney services, please contact Louise Hawes or Nigel Stanbrook