What is a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document, which gives someone else the power to make decisions on your behalf. If you lose the capacity to make decisions on your affairs, your opinion still matters. That’s why creating a lasting power of attorney is a smart move.
How does a lasting power of attorney (LPA) work?
Without an LPA
Mrs. Jones’s family doesn’t have the legal right to make decisions for her
- Sole bank accounts cannot be accessed.
- Joint bank accounts are frozen in some circumstances.
- Bills cannot be paid with Mrs. Jones’s money.
- Property cannot be sold, meaning co-habiting partner can’t move house if they wanted to.
- Next of kin doesn’t have legal right to make decisions about her medical treatment.
- Next of kin doesn’t have legal right to make personal choices, for example where Mrs Jones should live.
With an LPA
Mrs Jones put an LPA in place for both financial and health & welfare decisions
- Mrs. Jones has legally appointed an Attorney to make decisions about her finances on her behalf.
- Bills can be paid as normal.
- The bank recognises the chosen representative’s legal authority and no accounts are frozen.
- Investment decisions can be made by Mrs. Jones’s representatives.
- Property can be sold if needed.
- Next of kin does have legal right to make personal choices, for example where Mrs Jones should live.
Why is having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) important?
Once you have a lasting power of attorney in place you will have peace of mind that your trusted someone would look after your affairs if you ever became unable to do so yourself. Giving your trusted someone the authority to deal with your finances, property and make decisions about your health and welfare amongst other things.
You can include instructions, as well as your general preferences for them to consider. Your LPA should reflect your exact wishes so you know that the things that matter most will be taken care of how you would have wanted.
Please bear in mind that you can only put an LPA in place whilst you are capable of understanding the document. If you lose the capacity, you cannot then create an LPA and no one can do so for you either.
We’re here to help
Call our Lasting Power of Attorney team on 0330 912 5252 or
let us know when’s best to call, and we’ll be in touch.
Why choose
Your Will Matters?
We’ll ensure that the assets that you worked
hard for throughout your life are protected
once you’re no longer here.
Professional advice and support
Our solicitors are on hand to assist you in the process. Whether this is the first will you’ve written, or you’re updating an old one, we all need a little help sometimes.
Quick and simple process
Saves time compared to visiting a high street solicitor. Whether you use our easy online tool or you’d rather speak to a member of our team, our process is designed to take as little time as possible.
No fuss, quick and easy; get a solicitor – backed will written in no time at all & protect your assets.
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Office Location
84 Salop Street
Wolverhampton, WV3 0SR.
Office Hours
Monday-Friday
09:00 to 17:30
Your Will Matters is a trading name of Tele Prospects Ltd. A company registered in England & Wales, Registration Number: 05091787. Registered Address: Swinford House, Albion Street, Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 3EE. Trading Address: 2nd Floor, 84 Salop Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0SR. VAT Registration No: 835439412. ICO No: Z9386334. Tele Prospects Ltd is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 456333. Please note that will writing services are not regulated by the FCA.
Your Will Matters is an online will writing service. Our simple and fast online service allows you to make a fully legal will without a solicitor. If, however, you opt for our premium service then our legal partner My Law Matters will prepare your will. My Law Matters is a trading style of Fentiman Legal Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (number 800557).