Lasting Power of Attorney

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney: A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which allows a person to appoint someone they know and trust to make decisions and manage their affairs on their behalf should they become unable to do so in the future? It is important to add at this stage that you must able to think clearly and be in control of and responsible for your actions to have an LPA put in place.

There two types of LPAs, one is for property & financial affairs the other is for health & welfare. The person(s) who has your LPA will have access to the following on your behalf:

• Managing bank accounts;

• Paying bills i.e., mortgage, rent and other household expenses;

• Claim income and benefits for the donor;

• Making decisions with regards to the home;

• Buying or selling property;

• Managing investments;

• Insure, maintain, or repair the donor’s property;

• Day to day decisions such as exercise, dietary requirements, and care;

• Arrange medical or dental care;

• Make decisions on life-sustaining treatment;

• Where you live, care home, sheltered accommodation or relocation.

If you are physically or mentally unable to manage your affairs and there is no LPA in place, your family and friends will not have automatic authority to make decisions on your behalf.