lasting powers of attorney

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. There are two types of LPAs:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA: This allows your appointed attorneys to manage your financial matters, including paying bills, managing investments, and handling property transactions.
• Health and Welfare LPA: This enables your attorneys to make decisions about your healthcare, living arrangements, and daily care if you lose the capacity to make these decisions yourself.

Why is an LPA Important?

1. Ensures Your Wishes Are Honoured: By setting up an LPA, you ensure that your financial and health-related decisions are made according to your preferences. This is crucial if you are no longer able to communicate your wishes.
2. Provides Peace of Mind: An LPA gives you peace of mind knowing that trusted individuals will take over your affairs if you are incapacitated. This can prevent stress and uncertainty for your loved ones during challenging times.
3. Prevents Government Control: Without an LPA, decisions about your finances and health might be made by the government or a court-appointed deputy. This can lead to delays and may not always reflect your personal wishes.
4. Supports Family Members: An LPA can help avoid conflicts and confusion among family members. Having a clear plan in place can reduce the potential for disputes and ensure that decisions are made smoothly and according to your wishes.

What Could Happen Without an LPA?

1. Court Intervention: If you lose mental capacity and do not have an LPA in place, the court of protection may need to appoint a deputy to manage your affairs. This process can be lengthy, costly, and stressful for your family, and the court’s decisions may not always align with your preferences.
2. Financial Hardship: Without an LPA for property and financial affairs, your family might struggle to manage your finances. Bills could go unpaid, and investments or property could be mishandled, potentially causing financial difficulties.
3. Inadequate Care: Without an LPA for health and welfare, decisions about your medical treatment, care, and living arrangements might be made by others who are unfamiliar with your wishes. This could lead to decisions that do not align with your preferences or values.
4. Family Disputes: The absence of an LPA can result in disagreements among family members about your care and finances. This can lead to emotional strain and legal disputes that could have been avoided with a clear plan in place.

How We Can Help

At Laurel Oaks Estate Planning Specialists, we understand the importance of planning for the future. Our team can help you set up Lasting Powers of Attorney that reflect your wishes and provide you with peace of mind. We offer:

• Personalized Guidance: We will help you understand the types of LPAs and assist you in choosing the right one(s) for your needs.
• Professional Support: Our experienced team will ensure that your LPAs are correctly drafted, signed, and registered.
• Free Consultations: We offer free consultations in the comfort of your home, or virtually via Teams and telephone, with no obligation.

Ready to Secure Your Future?

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and ensure that your decisions are made by those you trust. At Laurel Oaks, we are here to guide you through the process with professionalism and care, helping you to plan effectively for the future.