When you cannot decide

If you’re concerned about losing the ability to manage your finances, or about who will make decisions about your welfare in later life, you may want to consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney.

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to plan what should happen to you, and who would be able to make decisions for you, if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

Our experts have a great deal of experience in Lasting Powers of Attorney and can help you to make a plan that ensures your wishes are adhered to later in life.

Why you should consider a Lasting Power of Attorney

Putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place offers security for you and your loved ones by letting you decide what should happen if old age, illness or injury leave you unable to deal with your own affairs. In a Lasting Power of Attorney, you can give instructions on what should happen to your money and your property.

Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, your family and friends may find it difficult to manage your affairs, and they may not know your wishes. They may also need to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, which can be costly and time-consuming.

By making a Lasting Power of Attorney you can:

• Choose a person who you trust to look after your affairs and welfare in the future;
• Specify your wishes and what powers your attorneys should have;
• Choose who is told about your LPA, allowing people to raise concerns now should they wish to do so;
• Reduce conflicts in the future by ensuring that your signature and the signatures of your attorneys are witnessed.

Making and using a Lasting Power Of Attorney

If you can still make decisions for yourself, you can make and register a Lasting Power of Attorney. Once you lose the ability to understand what a Lasting Power of Attorney is, it’s too late to make one and your family may need to apply for a deputyship instead.

Our experts can help you to complete the official forms to make and register a Lasting Power of Attorney. During the registration process, chosen people may object to the Lasting Power of Attorney, but if no objections are made the Lasting Power of Attorney will be registered.

How can we guide you?

Our expert team have a great deal of experience in making and registering a Lasting Power of Attorney, and will be able to advise you on what action to take in order to ensure that your wishes are followed and that your best interests are looked after. We will offer support and clear advice, while helping you at each stage of the process.

To discuss making a Lasting Power of Attorney with our friendly and professional team call 020 7001 7770, or contact us online via our enquiry form, and we will get back to you. You can also Send us an email.

(BBC, The One Show, video for educational purposes only)