When you consider your long-term plan for yourself, you should think about who will make decisions for you if you become mentally or physically incapacitated.
You require two types of Lasting Power Of Attorney, one that covers property and financial affairs and the other that covers health and welfare.
When setting up a Lasting Power Of Attorney for Property and Financial affairs or Lasting Power Of Attorney for your Health and Welfare, you need to work with a Solicitor experienced in Wills, Lasting Powers Attorneys, Trusts, and Probate to ensure you receive the best guidance.
Lasting Power Of Attorney For Property And Financial Affairs
A Lasting Power Of Attorney(LPA) is a legal document which enables you to give a person or persons of your choice the legal authority to make decisions for you on your behalf.
A Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs can be used for:
- Managing your bank and investment accounts
- Renting, buying or selling your properties
- Repairing or renovating any properties you may own if it is required
- Paying bills for your household and personal expenses
- Paying for your residential care home or nursing fees
- Collecting any income you may receive, such as state benefits, employment income or pensions
- The purchase of any personal items or necessary equipment that is needed
- The purchase of small gifts to give from you for things such as a wedding, birthday or holiday
You can also set limits for your attorney regarding the kind of decisions they can make on your behalf. You can cancel your LPA at any time should circumstances change.
A Lasting Power Of Attorney For Health And Welfare
Under your Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney, your Attorney will be able to make decisions about care, long term care or medical treatment on your behalf.
The following are the situations which demonstrate how it can be used:
- Your Attorney can give consent to treatment or refuse life-sustaining therapies or medicines to be used based on your wishes
- If you suffer from a degenerative medical condition and anticipate its progression will deteriorate, your Attorney will be able to help organise whatever you require to ensure that you are well looked after.
- If you become mentally unable, your Attorney will be able to make decisions to support you to stay in your home if they are able to get a carer to help you. If it becomes unsafe for you to stay at home, they will have to make arrangements for you to go into residential care.
Choosing someone you trust while still able is critical. If you lose capacity before you choose an Attorney, your loved ones will have to make an application for a Deputyship. Order at the Court of Protection. The process is expensive, time consuming and complicated.
Let Us Help You With Your Lasting Power Of Attorney
We understand that planning for the future can be stressful and the sensitive nature of these conversations. We will help you prepare for your future and ensure your wishes are followed.
At Elizabeth Middleton Solicitors, we believe in treating everyone with kindness and respect. Our expert legal team specialises in Wills, Probates, Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorneys. Gain peace of mind today, and contact us to learn how we can help you.
