Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a document that enables you to choose an attorney(s) to act on your behalf in the event of mental incapacity. This has replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney to consider:

• Lasting Power of Attorney: Health and Welfare. This assigns an attorney to make decisions that might affect your health and welfare, such as medical care, where you live and your daily routine (such as washing and dressing).

• Lasting Power of Attorney: Property and Financial Affairs. This allows the attorney to make decisions around your finances, from money, bills and tax to pensions, property and investments.

At Black Norman Solicitors, our experienced team can guide you through the documentation involved in assigning an LPA. Contact us today for more information.

Why do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney?

An LPA is important when it comes to allowing someone to act on your behalf. If you were to suffer an illness, stroke or Alzheimer’s, for example, it might be necessary for someone to look after your assets. For many of our clients, having an LPA in place offers peace of mind.

Read our blog to learn more about why a Lasting Power of Attorney is important.

What happens if I don’t have an LPA?

In the absence of a Lasting Power of Attorney, it would be necessary for someone who cares about you to apply to the Court of Protection, a specialist Court, for a Court Order (Deputyship) to manage your affairs. Having an LPA in place helps to simplify the process should any problems arise.

You have great flexibility in whom you can appoint as attorney, and you can even appoint replacement attorney(s) if the person you originally appointed is unable to act. You can also make a separate, Lasting Power of Attorney for your health and care decisions, if you wish.

How to become a Power of Attorney, or assign a Power of Attorney

If you’re looking to become a Power of Attorney for someone, it’s worth noting that the person you are acting on behalf of must have full mental capacity. If they don’t, a Court of Protection Order can be applied for.

If your assignee has full mental capacity, they can apply for you to become their Lasting Power of Attorney. When submitting their application, you (as the attorney) will be assigned your own paperwork to fill out.

We can guide you through the entire process – whether you’re an assignee or an attorney.

A team you can trust

At Black Norman Solicitors, we have been serving clients throughout Merseyside and the North West for over 30 years. 

Our trusted Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors are here to help you through the entire process of assigning an LPA, from understanding the rules and regulations around it to drafting your LPA for you. We can also help your attorney(s) with the process, from explaining what it means to be an attorney to assisting with their paperwork.

To get started, contact us 03300 167 847 or fill out a contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.