What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that enables one person (the Donor) to appoint up to four others (the Attorneys) to act on their behalf when they require assistance.

There are two types of LPA available- one is a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and the other is a Health and Welfare LPA.

Property and Financial Affairs LPA

If you create a Property and Financial Affairs LPA while you are still capable to do so then you choose who you would wish to manage your finances should something happen to you in the future. This can then cover a situation where you lose your mental capacity but also the situation if you become too physically unwell to manage your finances- imagine a long hospital stay. The document is created now, registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, and then simply placed in a safe place until such time as you may need it.

Health and Welfare LPA

The Health and Welfare LPA allows for you to appoint an attorney to make decisions on your behalf that affect your health and welfare. This can include decisions over your medical treatment or where you shall live and also end of life decisions.

Click Here for our LPA Leaflet

Stamp Duty Changes from 1st April 2025

In accordance with Government Announcement on the 30th October 2024 from 1st April 2025, there will be several changes coming into effect.
Please note if you complete after 1 April 2025 then these changes could impact the stamp duty rate applicable to you even if you have exchanged contracts already.

Thresholds up to 31 March 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £250,000 for residential properties
- £425,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £625,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

Thresholds from 1 April 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £125,000 for residential properties
- £300,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £500,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

You can visit the gov.uk website and search Stamp Duty Land Tax where you will find further information and a calculator to enable you to calculate the rate and amount payable.

To discuss any Conveyancing matters please contact either Donna Sandison or Laura Day of our Conveyancing Team or telephone the office 01775 722261.

Jamie Dobbs FCILEx

"I should like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere and grateful thanks for Jamie's unfailing helpfulness and efficiency in all aspects of the handling of my late stepmother's estate. Jamie have always replied to my (many!) queries promptly and comprehensively which has been a enormous help throughout what I know can be a fraught and stressful process. Sadly, it is increasingly rare these days to experience the highs standards of service that Jamie has provided."

Gemma Mayer LLB

"I would highly recommend Maples Solicitors, especially Gemma Mayer, for any conveyancing work. The level of support and professionalism was excellent at all times. I also felt if I needed to ask or clarify anything that it was not an issue. Buying and selling a house is stressful enough, but Gemma helped me through it step by step."

Anita Toal LLB BA

"I think you are brilliant. You can use my comments above. You are efficient, friendly and quite clearly very good at what you do. Mainly you don’t leave people hanging around too long for." "So easy to talk to her and she understood what I wanted. She put me at ease and I cant thank her enough"

James Turner BA

James Turner was extremely helpful with our buying process. Everything went smoothly. We are very happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated by the office. Highly recommended solicitors. Will definitely do business with them again.

Daven Naghen LLB

"Daven provided an excellent service, from attending the first interview with me to the final court appearance. He filled me full of confidence that he would defend me to which he did and come out with an excellent outcome in view of my position that I had put myself in."

Faye Blair LLB

Faye was excellent, sensitive and acted very well to the time constraints we faced. Great service and dealt with compassion at such sad times made the process less painful very professional.

Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

Donna has been helpful and professional every step of the way during the process. Always on hand to answer any queries and totally professional and friendly at all times.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?