What it is
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you choose people to act for you if you lose mental capacity — or, for a financial LPA, if you simply want help managing things.
There are two everyday types. A property and financial affairs LPA covers banking, bills and property. A health and welfare LPA covers care and medical decisions, and can only be used if you cannot decide for yourself.
We also advise on business LPAs where a company or partnership needs someone able to keep things running.
An LPA has to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. We help you through the forms so they are not rejected for small mistakes.
This is not about giving up control. It is about choosing who speaks for you, rather than leaving a court or a stranger to decide later.
Who it’s for
- You want a trusted person able to pay bills or speak to banks if you became unwell
- You are thinking ahead about health, care and treatment decisions
- You run a business and need continuity if you could not act
- You are putting a will in place and want the “while you are alive” side covered too
Questions about lasting powers of attorney
Is a lasting power of attorney the same as a will?
No. A will speaks when you have died. An LPA is for while you are alive, if you cannot make decisions — or, for a financial LPA, if you want someone able to help.
They complement each other. Many families put both in place at the same time.
When can an LPA be used?
A health and welfare LPA can only be used if you lack capacity to decide for yourself.
A property and financial affairs LPA can be used with your permission while you still have capacity, or if you lose capacity later. It must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian first.
Who should I appoint as my attorney?
Someone you trust with money, or with your care, depending on the type of LPA. Many people appoint a partner, adult children, or a mix.
We will talk through replacements, how joint attorneys must act, and what happens if someone cannot or will not take it on. There is no prize for appointing lots of people.
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