What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which allows you to appoint one or more people to support you to make decisions or to make decisions on your part should you become unable to. In order to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, you must be 18 or over and have the mental capacity (the ability to make your own decisions).

There are various different types of Power of Attorneys but the two most common are: Financial Decisions LPA– this allows the LPA to make decision in respect of money and property. This can include managing finances such as bank, investment and building society accounts, paying bills and selling the home as long as they are acting in the best interests of the individual. There is also The Health and Welfare LPA– this allows the LPA to make decisions concerning health and welfare. This can include making decisions in respect of the individuals’ daily routine, meals, clothing and deciding whether they can refuse or consent to medical treatment, including life-sustaining treatment.  The most important decision a Health and Welfare LPA can make is where you live whether this be in your own home, or moving into a care home.

You need to have mental capacity at the time you are making it. Most people make a LPA in anticipation that they may suffer an illness that would stop them being able to make decisions about their life. They want someone they love and trust to make these decisions for them.

Choosing the right LPA is essential as they are responsible for making life changing decisions for you. The following could be considered when making your decision:

• Is the person someone you trust fully?
• Are they able to manage their own affairs?
• Would they be happy and comfortable making decisions on behalf of you?
• Is the LPA someone who can be easily reached?

Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney should be a straightforward process and we can make it easy and as stress free as possible for you.  Nayyars Solicitors are a fully dedicated team that can help you create a Power of Attorney document that can be tailored to you.

Annum Ghafoor

Paralegal