Powers of Attorney
Lasting & General Powers
Planning for the possibility of losing capacity is never easy, but it can save significant distress for your loved ones in the future. Nicola helps clients put the right protections in place so their wishes are respected.
How Nicola Can Help:
- Drafting Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) for financial and health decisions
- Creating General Powers of Attorney for temporary needs
- Advising attorneys on their legal duties and responsibilities
- Supporting families through Office of the Public Guardian processes
By setting up the right legal documents, you can ensure trusted people can make decisions on your behalf if needed—avoiding costly and stressful court processes.
FAQs
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
An LPA lets you appoint trusted people to make decisions
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA
- Health and Welfare LPA
Do I need both types of LPA?
Many people choose both so all bases are covered:
- Finances, property, and day-to-day money management
- Care, living arrangements, and treatment decisions, also giving your attorneys the right to give or refuse consent to life sustaining treatment
Who should I choose as my attorneys?
Look for people who are:
- Over 18
- Trustworthy and available to act when needed, most usually nearby if needed
- Organised and comfortable with paperwork
- Able to work together if you appoint more than one, so reduces any disputes
You can appoint replacements in case someone cannot act.
When can a Health and Welfare LPA be used?
Only when you lack capacity. You always have the right to make your own decisions, even if others disagree with them. It can cover:
- Care providers and living arrangements
- Daily care and social activities
- Consent to certain medical treatments depending on your choices
When can a Property and Financial Affairs LPA be used?
You can allow use:
- While you still have capacity, with your consent
- Only if you lose capacity
How long does registration take?
Registration takes time. Delays usually relate to:
- Missing or incorrect details on forms
- People involved being slow to sign
- Office of the Public Guardian processing times
We prepare forms correctly and keep everyone on track.
What if I already have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)?
EPAs are still valid for property and finance. You may still want a Health and Welfare LPA for care decisions.
Can I change my attorneys later?
Yes, if you have capacity. However you have to prepare a new LPA you cannot update your current LA.
Other Services
Wills & Trusts
Creating clear, legally sound wills with expert guidance. Advice on setting up trusts and inheritance tax planning ensures your estate is structured effectively to benefit loved ones and minimise tax liabilities.
Probate & Estate Administration
Support for executors and families through probate, including applying for a Grant of Probate, collecting assets, preparing estate accounts, completing HMRC inheritance tax returns, and administering estates with or without a will.