Lasting Power of Attorney
Who would care for you if you became ill and were unable to manage for yourself? Who would you trust to make decisions on your behalf? Who would look after your home, your money and your day-to-day affairs?
It’s a harsh reality, but some of us will become ill and need to rely on others for our care. It’s
something that’s out of our control. However, you do have control now. Using a lasting power of
attorney, you can appoint someone to make decisions for you if the worst does happen.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A lasting power of attorney- or LPA - is a legal document that allows you to choose someone now to make decisions on your behalf in the future. This could be when you are unable to make them yourself, or when you no longer wish to.
Two types
of LPA
Under a Personal Welfare LPA you can choose someone (or more than one person) to make
decisions about your daily routine and medical care.
Under a Property and Affairs LPA you can choose someone (or more than one person) to make
decisions about your finances and property.
Anyone aged 18 or over who has the capacity to do so, can make an LPA. Your chosen attorney(s) must also be 18 or over and can be a friend, relative or professional. If you prefer you can choose different people for each type of LPA but an LPA itself can only be for an individual. Before it can be used, an LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.