Lasting Powers of Attorney

What is an LPA?

An LPA is a document that ensures your affairs are dealt with by a trusted person (or persons) in the event that you are unable to make various important decisions due to lack of 'mental capacity'.

Sadly none of us know if (or when) we will lose our mental capacity - it can strike unexpectedly and not solely with the onset of old age. So for anyone who wants to ensure that decisions about their welfare, property and affairs are made by those they trust, the making of a personal welfare LPA and/or a property and affairs LPA is a very sensible step to take.

Our Private Client team here at Coffin Mew will be delighted to provide further advice. In the meantime here is some outline information on LPAs, as well as a couple of downloadable brochures that we think you will find useful:

A property and affairs LPA can be used to appoint one or more attorneys to make a range of decisions including the buying and selling of property, operating a bank account, dealing with tax affairs and claiming benefits.

A personal welfare LPA might authorise the attorneys to make decisions about where the donor should live, consenting to or refusing medical treatment on the donor’s behalf and day to day care.

NOTE: LPAs can only be used by the attorneys if first registered with the Office of The Public Guardian. A property and affairs LPA can be used while the donor still has mental capacity, unless it specifies it cannot. A personal welfare LPA can only be used if the donor lacks mental capacity to make that particular decision at that particular time.

For further details on Lasting Powers of Attorney download:

Please feel free to email one of our team on wills@coffinmew.co.uk. There is no obligation and it may just be one of your best decisions.