Lasting Power of Attorney Leaflet

What is an LPA?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the way to ensure that the people you trust will be able to take important decisions on your behalf if you become mentally or physically incapable of doing so yourself.

While LPA’s are most often used to deal with to affairs of the elderly, if they are prepared much earlier in life they will give the same protection in the event of incapacity as a result of illness or accident.
 

Replacing Enduring Powers of Attorney

LPA’s replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) from the beginning of October 2007.

The basic difference between the two is that while an EPA only enables other people to act on your behalf in relation to the financial and property matters, an LPA can also enable them to act in relation to health and welfare decisions.
 

Who takes responsibility?

Making an LPA does not restrict your right to control your affairs for as long as you feel able. The appointment of the Attorney means that there is someone to take over if, and when, you cannot cope. At any time you may ask your Attorney to take responsibility for the various aspects of your affairs.