What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
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.