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We all know that we should make a Will because we care enough about what happens to our property and assets when we die. We should care even more what happens to those assets whilst we are still alive. This why we advise clients on Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). These are legal documents that enable you to choose someone to make decisions on your behalf.
Whether you wish to have a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, a Health and Welfare LPA or both types, our experienced lawyers can assist you with the following:
- Preparation of LPAs.
- Registration of LPAs.
- Preparation and Registration of LPAs.
We offer fixed fees for preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney. You can get 15% off our Power of Attorney fees when you also make a Will.
Different types of LPAs:
- Making a Property and Financial Affairs LPA enables you to:-
- Appoint a person or persons (your Attorneys) to make decisions about such things as your finances and property (perhaps paying your bills, collecting your income or dealing with your home).
- If you do not have a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, then if for any reason you suddenly become unable to manage your own affairs (perhaps because you suffer a serious accident which incapacitates you long term or that you become mentally confused and this is permanent and progressive) the only way that your financial affairs can be managed is by an application (by a relative or other person close to you) to a public body known as the Court of Protection. This process can take many months and can be very expensive, although in the absence of an LPA we do have experience in dealing with such applications.
- If you have a registered Property and Financial Affairs LPA then your chosen Attorney(s) can act on your behalf straight away, which is especially important if you become unable to handle your own affairs or become mentally incapacitated.
- Health and Welfare LPAs appoint someone to make decisions about your personal welfare (perhaps deciding where you will live, deciding on your care needs and consenting to treatment).
Capacity:
It is very important to note that you must be mentally capable to make an LPA. If you leave it too late then, just like the Will making process, the opportunity will be lost. If this happens, we are here to help you through the Court of Protection process for obtaining a Deputyship Order.
In addition to LPAs, you can also make an Advance Decision (sometimes known as an advance decision to refuse treatment, an ADRT, or a living will) to refuse a specific type of treatment at some time in the future. It lets your family, carers and health professionals know whether you want to refuse specific treatments in the future. This means they will know your wishes if you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself.
Attorneys:
Have you been appointed or have been asked to be an attorney and would like to have independent legal advice tailored to your attorney duties? Contact our experience team who can help with you any legal enquiry you may have.
We offer appointments at our offices at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. Home visits are also available.
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