Powers of Attorney   

As well as having a will drawn up professionally to ensure that our loved ones are provided for in the future, it is also important to think about providing for the possibility that at some point we may not have the capacity to look after our affairs or our welfare in the future.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to choose one or more persons you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make those decisions yourself. The person(s) you choose will be your Attorney(s).

You can make a Lasting Power of Attorney Property and Affairs, which allows you to appoint Attorneys to act on your behalf in relation to your property and finances. The LPA cannot be used until it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.

You can also make a Lasting Power of Attorney Personal Welfare, which allows you to choose someone to make decisions relating to your personal welfare and healthcare when you lack the capacity to make those decisions yourself. The LPA cannot be used until it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian and can only be used when you no longer have the capacity to look after yourself.

By appointing Attorneys under an LPA, your family will not have to make a lengthy and costly application to the Court of Protection in order to be able to make decisions for you.

For further advice, please contact Barbara Stephens or Sarah Shaw on 01904 625327.

Email: brs@hethertons.co.uk or sjs@hethertons.co.uk