What is a Lasting Power of Attorney

In an uncertain world, it’s reassuring to know that our wishes will be respected even if we’re not able to make our own decisions. That’s why many people choose to create a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to provide protection should an accident or ill health prevent them from making decisions in the future.

An LPA is a legal document that allows another person to make decisions about your wellbeing and affairs on your behalf. Appointing an Attorney before you need one gives you the peace of mind that your affairs will be managed how you want them to be. It’s not possible to create an LPA once you’re unable to make your own decisions so if you think you would like an LPA; it’s something that should
consider putting in place as soon as possible.

There are different types of LPAs depending on what areas of your life you would like an Attorney to have control of. To be valid, an LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. A Lasting Power of Attorney can only be appointed when you are capable so it is not something you can leave until such time as you need it. To ascertain that you are capable and in sound mind, you (as the donor) must appoint either someone who has known you personally for at least two years or a qualified professional to sign an LPA certificate confirming that you are of full mental capacity. Family members and other exclusions apply to who can sign this certificate for you.

At Jordans Solicitors we can help with all aspects of creating an LPA – from choosing an attorney and deciding what type of LPA is right for you to correctly registering the documentation.

Combined Lasting Power of Attorney

A combined lasting power of attorney, combines both the Property and Financial LPA and Health and Welfare LPA. Providing an all encomposing protection to ensure that your wishes are respected.

Health and Welfare LPA

Provides an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you will cover areas like.

• Your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, and eating.
• Medical Care.
• Moving into a care home.
• Life-sustaining treatment.

Property and Financial LPA

Provides an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you will cover areas like.

• Managing a bank or building society account.
• Paying bills – including both setting up and stopping direct debits.
• Collecting benefits or a pension and any other income.
• Selling your home.
• Making gifts on your behalf.

It is important to remember that even when doing a combined LPA, the Health and Welfare LPA can only be used when you are unable to make your own decisions were as the Property and Financial LPA can be used as soon as it is registered, with your permission.

How much will it cost? 

For one person – combined LPA 

Costs:             £700.00

VAT:                £140.00

Court Fee*:    £144.00

Total:              £1024.00

For a couple – combined LPA 

Costs:             £1200.00

VAT:                £240.00

Court Fee*:    £368.00

Total:              £1,808.00

*Court Fee* only applicable if you are registering the Power of Attorney(s). Fee exemption may be applicable in respect of Court fees.
Saving* calculated on cost of unbundled services. Home Visits or professional certificate providers may incur additional fees.