Lasting Powers of Attorney

We should all have a lasting power of attorney.
Why? Well, we never know what's round the corner, do we? An accident, illness or even the onset of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It really is best to get it sorted now.

What is Lasting Power of Attorney?

Basically, it's a document signed by you and your chosen person or people (often your spouse or grown up children), agreeing that if you become unable to take care of your own affairs, they will take on the job for you. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:-

Personal Health and Welfare LPA

This can only be used after it has been registered with the Court, after you have lost 'mental capacity' to understand and make decisions regarding your own medical and welfare decisions. It means that you know who will decide which care home you should live in, if you need to. You know who will fulfil your wishes concerning your medical care should the worst happen. Of course, your attorney will act under the direction of the Medical Team responsible for you.

Property and Financial Affairs LPA

This allows you to choose someone to handle your practical, financial affairs. It can only be used after it has been registered at Court. You can register it at once to allow your chosen person to take over control of your daily affairs. If you want to retain control, don't register it. Should you lose mental capacity, your Attorney can register it when it is needed.

Is an LPA Immediate and Forever?

No. As long as you have mental capacity, you can revoke the power of attorney and choose someone else. If you divorce your chosen attorney, or if they lose their own mental capacity, the LPA is automatically revoked.