Powers of Attorney
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)
A Will conveys our wishes after we’ve departed, Lasting Powers of Attorney relate to decision-making during our lifetime.
Many of us as we get older feel the pace of life becoming increasingly challenging, the digital shifts in the workplace make even managing a bank account and setting up payments for bills to utility companies, or even sending financial gifts to family for special occasions more complicated.
This can be a worrying time particularly if a person lives alone and cannot share the burden, there is also the fear of who takes over when a person is unable to do so through an unfortunate accident or sadly when their mental health forces a change.
There are two main versions of an LPA: Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA
This is a legal document that is set up to allow someone of your choice to manage your property and financial affairs should you choose to do so, or when you are forced to through poor health.
This includes some of the following:
• Buy or sell property
• Operate Bank accounts and manage savings
• Claim welfare benefits or pensions
• Manage Tax affairs
• Pay the mortgage, rent and general household expenses
• Insure and maintain your property.
Health and Welfare LPA
This covers decisions about your personal welfare and health.
Unlike the Property and Financial LPA, a Health and Welfare LPA can only come into effect once you have lost mental awareness.
The following are examples of what the person you choose will be able to undertake on your behalf:
• Make decisions on where you live and your day-to-day care
• Arrange any medical, dental or optical care you may need.
• Consent or refuse any medical treatment.
One person in the UK develops dementia every three minutes. Yet relatives can’t just walk into a bank and access your money, even if it is to pay for your care.
Unless you have a Power of Attorney, loved ones would need to apply through court, which can be long and costly.
At White Deer Wills we will simplify the process of applying for an LPA and guide you through every step including the signing, witnessing and registration*.
*In addition to our charges, the Office of the Public Guardian charge a registration fee of £82 per LPA (you may be eligible for a reduction or exemption depending on your circumstances).
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