Lasting Powers of Attorney

There are two main types of LPA: Property and Financial Affairs LPA, which covers decisions about money and property, and Health and Welfare LPA, which covers decisions about health, care, and medical treatment. You can set up either one or both types depending on your needs.

It's advisable to set up an LPA while you have mental capacity. Don't wait until you need it - if you lose mental capacity without having an LPA in place, your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

The registration process typically takes 8-10 weeks from when the Office of the Public Guardian receives your correctly completed forms. However, it's important to note that you can only use an LPA once it's been registered.

Anyone aged 18 or over can be an attorney, provided they have mental capacity and are not bankrupt. Common choices include spouses, family members, or close friends. You can also appoint a professional attorney, such as a solicitor. The most important factor is choosing someone you trust to make decisions in your best interests.

Once registered, you cannot change your LPA. However, you can cancel (revoke) it as long as you have mental capacity. To make changes, you would need to create and register a new LPA, which would replace the existing one. It's important to review your LPA regularly to ensure it still reflects your wishes.