What are Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)?
You might not know that family members are not able to make decisions for each other when it comes to financial or medical matters.
Even doing simple things like banking or switching utility providers can be very difficult.
If LPAs are in place, a trusted person is given the power to manage affairs, but only if certain, pre-defined things happen.
LPAs can only be made when the donor (the person giving the authority) have full mental capacity, so it's important to act before care needs are high. If there are no LPAs in place, you may need to ask the Court of Protection for permission to make decisions. This can be expensive and stressful. There are two distinct types of LPA: Property and Financial Affairs, and Health and Welfare.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA
A property and financial affairs LPA will allow the appointed person (their attorney) to make decisions regarding:
- property and investments
- bills, money and tax
- bank and building society accounts
- pensions
- benefits.
Health and Welfare LPA
A health and welfare LPA will allow the attorney to make decisions about:
- medical care
- homes and housing.
How to create LPAs?
Option 1: Do-it-yourself
LPAs can be made online at GOV.UK, or the forms can be downloaded and sent in the mail. To register each LPA, it costs £82 (£164 for both types). LPAs are only legal if they are registered. The website walks you through each step of the process. Check the member menu to see if you have access to our Power of Attorney services, which include a free helpline where you can talk about the scope of the powers being given or ask specific questions about when LPAs could be used.
Please note: There are different processes in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Option 2: Use an expert
You can make an LPA with the help of a solicitor, or you can use our partnership with Trust Inheritance to get help filling out the forms online, over the phone, or via a video link. The fixed-fee services can be seen by going to the member menu and clicking on Legal Services.