Guide to A Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney, or LPA, is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your part should you become unable to.
In order to make a Power of Attorney, you must be 18 or over and have the ability to make your own decisions.
There are two types of LPA: the first is health & welfare and the second covers property & financial affairs, however, you can choose to make one type or both of these when you apply.
The Health & Welfare LPA covers:
- Washing, dressing, eating, or other daily routines.
- Receiving medical care.
- Receiving life-sustaining care.
- Moving into a care home.
This can only be used when you’re unable to make your own decisions.
The Property & Financial Affairs LPA covers:
- Managing your bank or building society accounts.
- Collecting any benefits or pensions.
- Paying your bills.
- Selling your home.
This can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission.
How Do I Apply?
Kirkham Legal are a fully dedicated team that can help you create a Power of Attorney document that is tailored to you. We are sensitive to these matters, meaning that you will get a professional experience with us.
What Will It Include?
Both types of LPA will include:
- Attorneys – one or more people to make decisions for you in the future. They don’t need legal training, they should just be people that you trust.
- Replacement Attorneys – these ensure that you have other people to appoint in case your original attorneys stop acting for you.
- Witnesses – other people who can confirm the validity of the LPA and also prove that you aren’t being forced to provide one.
- Decision Making – this section lets you choose whether you want your attorneys to work together, separately, or by a mixture of both to reach a decision for you.
Tips for Choosing Your Attorneys:
It’s important to choose the right Attorneys to be included in your LPA, so make sure that you’ve assessed the long-term possibilities before you get anyone to sign. Here are our top tips and points to consider:
- Make sure you fully trust the person or people, such as an adult child, relative, solicitor, long-term friend, or partner.
- How well do they manage their own affairs? E.g. finances.
- Consider whether they will be happy and comfortable enough to make your decisions.
- Ensure that multiple Attorneys can reach a decision easily if applicable. E.g. everyone can be contacted easily.
If you’ve decided to create a Power of Attorney, why not call us today to book an appointment with Kirkham Legal on 0161 393 2299.
