Understanding Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you (the donor) to appoint one or more trusted people (attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf.
There are different types of Powers of Attorney, and choosing the right one depends on your circumstances and future needs.
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) are the most common and are used for long-term planning. There are two types:
Property and Financial Affairs LPA – allows your attorney to manage bank accounts, pay bills, deal with property and make financial decisions.
Health and Welfare LPA – allows your attorney to make decisions about medical treatment, care arrangements and, in some cases, life-sustaining treatment.
An LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used.
General Powers of Attorney are typically used for short-term or specific situations, such as if you are abroad or temporarily unable to manage your affairs. They cannot be used if you lose mental capacity.
Putting the right Power of Attorney in place ensures that decisions about your finances, property and wellbeing are made by someone you trust.
How we can help
Advising on the right type of Power of Attorney
We will explain the differences between LPAs, EPAs and General Powers of Attorney so you can choose the most suitable option.
Preparing your Lasting Powers of Attorney
We draft your LPA documents carefully to reflect your wishes and minimise the risk of future issues.
Registering LPAs with the Office of the Public Guardian
We handle the registration process to ensure your documents are correctly submitted and valid.
EPA registration advice
If you have an existing Enduring Power of Attorney, we can advise whether it needs to be registered and manage the process for you.
Guidance for attorneys
We advise appointed attorneys on their duties, responsibilities and legal obligations.
Ongoing support and updates
We can review and update your arrangements if your circumstances change.
