When you appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), you allow someone to make clear decisions about who will manage your affairs if you are no longer able to do so.

It’s clear that this is one of the most important choices for your future. Obtain the right legal support, and give yourself peace of mind that your wishes will be respected.

At Bennett Smith our Lasting Power of Attorney solicitors in North Wales are here to help you take a hugely important step to protect yourself and people close to you.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is an official legal document enabling you – the donor – to appoint at least one attorney. Attorneys are trusted individuals who are able to make big decisions for you in the instance that you no longer have your mental capacity.

There are two types of LPA:

A Health and Welfare LPA

If you no longer have capacity, a Health and Welfare LPA grants the attorney the legal ability to make important decisions about personal matters, from medical treatment to care arrangements and diet, wellbeing, care arrangements and day-to-day matters such as diet and living arrangements. These powers only come into effect if you no longer have capacity.

Property and Financial Affairs

This type of LPA relates to decisions about your finances; from investments to managing bank accounts and paying bills. Unlike a Health and Welfare LPA, you can use a Property and Financial LPA before you lose mental capacity, so long as you give permission.

Why do I need an LPA?

Having an LPA is part of responsible planning for later in life.

We never know when injury, illness or unexpected events will arise. These scenarios can affect your competence to make important decisions at any time. By putting in place an LPA at an early stage, you retain control not only over who will act for you; but also how your affairs will be managed.

LPAs provide reassurance to your family, reducing stress and uncertainty during difficult times.

Don’t leave important decisions to chance – ensure they are handled by someone you trust.

What happens if you don’t have a LPA?

Without an LPA that is valid, your loved ones don’t have the authority to make crucial decisions for you automatically.

If you no longer have capacity, they might need to send an application to the Court of Protection in order to be appointed as a deputy. This is a process that is often lengthy and costly.