Choosing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a very important decision that can feel stressful and overwhelming at first. This is why it’s important to be as educated as you can and have as much knowledge regarding the process as possible beforehand to alleviate as much stress as possible.

This starts with understanding the types of LPA available, what they consist of and when they are permitted. That’s why we’ve provided a short guide to LPA’s so that you can make your decisions with all the information you need, including the knowledge that you can apply for just one LPA or both.

Health And Welfare LPA

This type of LPA is for someone who may no longer be mentally capable in the future. This document allows a person to appoint one or more attorneys to make decisions about their daily routines such as washing, dressing and eating. A health and welfare LPA also pertains to decisions made regarding medical care, moving into a care home and receiving or removing life-sustaining treatment.

When these decisions are made, other people in the donor’s life must be made aware of the LPA to avoid confusion down the line. This can include family, friends, doctors, care workers and social workers. This is usually put in place should the donor be deemed of ill-mind and incapable of making and understanding their decisions.

Property And Financial Affairs LPA

The other type of LPA refers to property and financial affairs. This is eligible and can be used as soon as it is registered and consented to use. This type of LPA allows one or more attorneys to make financial decisions regarding paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension, selling the donor’s home and managing bank accounts.

This is an important decision as it ultimately covers someone’s entire finances. Someone who is trusted and educated on how these affairs work would be the best person to appoint as an attorney. An important thing to remember is that someone can make these decisions on the donor’s behalf even if they are mentally capable. However, they may need the consent of any other attorneys beforehand.

To understand more regarding Lasting Powers of Attorney, contact us at Bowsers Solicitors either via our website or by phone: 01945 583194 (Wisbech Office) or 01354 652606 (March Office). Our team of experts can provide more guidance on what an LPA is, helping to make the process as easy as possible.

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