A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial legal document that allows you to appoint one or more trusted individuals (known as attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself, whether due to illness, accident, or old age. This ensures that your affairs are managed according to your wishes, even if you are no longer able to express them.
There are two types of LPAs in the UK:
- Health and Welfare LPA: This allows your attorney(s) to make decisions about your personal health and welfare, including decisions about your medical care, where you live, and your daily routine. This type of LPA only comes into effect when you are unable to make these decisions yourself.
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA: This allows your attorney(s) to manage your financial matters, such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, and selling property. You can choose to have this LPA take effect immediately upon registration or only if you lose mental capacity.
Why a Lasting Power of Attorney is Important
Without an LPA in place, if you lose the capacity to make decisions, your loved ones may face significant challenges in managing your affairs. They would need to apply to the Court of Protection for the authority to act on your behalf, which can be a lengthy, expensive, and stressful process.
Having an LPA ensures that your chosen attorney(s) can step in immediately to manage your affairs, providing peace of mind for you and your family. It allows you to:
- Maintain Control: By appointing someone you trust, you can ensure that your affairs are handled in line with your wishes.
- Prevent Disputes: A legally binding LPA can help avoid potential conflicts among family members about who should manage your affairs.
- Ease the Burden: An LPA simplifies the process for your loved ones, reducing the emotional and administrative burden during what can be a difficult time.
Services
- Interpreting a Will
- Advising executors/trustees
- Applying for Probate
- Dealing with intestacy
- Selling or transferring estate property
- Family mediation and negotiation
- Will contests
How Our Solicitors Can Help You Set Up an LPA
At Cribbin & Co Solicitors we understand that setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney is a significant decision. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is dedicated to making the process as simple and stress-free as possible, giving you confidence that your future is in safe hands.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in securing your peace of mind.
Hear from our satisfied clients
How we can help
At Cribbin & Co Solicitors our experienced solicitors are here to assist you in setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney that reflects your wishes and provides you with the security you need.
e provide clear, straightforward advice on the different types of LPAs and help you understand which one, or both, is right for your situation. We take the time to discuss your specific needs and concerns, ensuring that you make informed decisions.
Our solicitors handle the entire process of drafting the LPA, ensuring that it is legally sound and accurately reflects your instructions. We then manage the registration of the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian, which is required for the LPA to be legally valid.
We offer guidance on selecting the right attorneys, considering factors such as trustworthiness, availability, and their ability to handle the responsibilities involved.
We ensure that the LPA includes any specific instructions or preferences you have, such as how you would like your assets to be managed or your preferences for medical treatment.
Life circumstances can change, and so can your wishes. We can assist you in amending or updating your LPA if needed, ensuring it continues to reflect your current situation.
Our team is available to answer any questions you may have throughout the process and provide ongoing support if any issues arise in the future.