A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is designed to protect you if there ever comes a time when you can’t make decisions for yourself. It gives someone you trust the legal authority to step in and manage your health, care or finances exactly as you would want. Understanding how an LPA works can help you feel confident and prepared for the future.
What an LPA Allows Someone to Do
If you become unable to express your wishes because of illness, an accident, or a loss of mental capacity, an LPA allows your chosen attorney to make decisions on your behalf. The type of decisions they can make depends on the type of LPA you have in place:
1. Health and Care LPA
Your attorney can make decisions about:
Your daily routine
Your medical treatment
Where you live
Your care and support
Who can visit you
2. Financial Decisions LPA
Your attorney can manage:
Your bank accounts
Paying bills
Collecting benefits or pension
Managing investments
Selling or maintaining your property
You can choose whether your financial attorney acts only if you lose capacity or whether they can help you sooner, for convenience.
Why an LPA Is So Important
If you do not have an LPA and you lose the ability to manage your affairs, your family cannot automatically step in. Many people assume a partner, child, or close relative can make decisions for them, but legally this is not the case.
Without an LPA, your loved ones would need to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order. This process is:
Slow – often taking many months
Expensive – higher costs than arranging an LPA
Stressful – at a time when loved ones are already under pressure
Uncertain – the court decides who becomes your deputy
With an LPA, none of this is needed. Your chosen attorney can step in immediately when required.
How Your Attorney Knows What to Do
Your LPA is more than just a signature. It can include:
Specific instructions – legal rules your attorney must follow
Preferences – guidance about the kinds of decisions you’d like made
Personal wishes – anything important to you, such as types of treatment, care preferences, or how you’d like your finances to be handled
This means your attorney isn’t left guessing. They have a clear understanding of what matters most to you.
When Your LPA Takes Effect
For most people:
A Health and Care LPA only takes effect if you lose mental capacity
A Financial LPA can take effect either immediately (with your permission) or only if you lose capacity
This flexibility allows you to decide how much help you want and when.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
Once your LPA is registered, you can relax knowing that if something unexpected happens, the people you trust will be legally allowed to look after your affairs. They won’t face delays, court processes, or financial difficulties trying to help you.
An LPA is a simple but powerful way to protect yourself and your family — and once it’s in place, it stays ready for whenever it’s needed.
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