Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a vital legal document that allows you to appoint individuals (Attorneys) you trust to make important decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to manage your own affairs through illness or injury. LPAs protect you and reassure your family.
Ensure Your Voice is Heard
The Two Essential Types of LPAs
| Type of LPA | What it Covers |
|---|---|
| Health & Welfare LPA | Decisions about your medical care, day-to-day well being and where you live (only used if you lose capacity). |
| Property & Financial Affairs LPA | Managing your money, property, bills, bank accounts, and investments. (Can be used straight away if you choose). |
You can set up one or both types of LPA, depending on your personal needs and circumstances.
The Risk of Not Having an LPA
- Without an LPA, the Court of Protection steps in to manage your affairs.
- The process of seeking a Deputyship Order is costly, lengthy (up to 10 months) and highly stressful for your family.
- A judge may appoint someone you would not have wished for to make personal decisions for you.
- Banks and care providers will freeze your assets until the Court order is finalized.
Attorney Duties and Legal Safeguards
Core Legal Duties
- Attorneys are legally bound to act in your best interests at all times.
- They must adhere strictly to the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
- They must keep your personal finances separate from their own and maintain proper records.
Your Control and Preferences
- You can include specific instructions or preferences*in your LPA (e.g. preference to stay in your own home).
- You can name replacement Attorneys to act if your first choice is unable to.
- Your document must be confirmed by an independent Certificate Provider to validate your intent.
Our Fully Advised LPA Service
At Jubilee we believe that setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney should be simple, clear and worry free. Our fully advised service means we take care of you at every stage, giving you peace of mind that everything has been prepared and registered correctly.
- Clear advice on your options and guidance on choosing the right Attorneys and replacements.
- Arranging for a suitable Certificate Provider to confirm your intent and capacity.
- Recording your specific wishes and advising on preferences or instructions to guide your Attorneys.
- Professional drafting of your LPA document with clear, correct legal wording.
- OPG Registration Management: We complete and submit all necessary paperwork on your behalf.
- Managing all correspondence and dealing with any queries from the OPG.
- Reviewing completed documents to ensure all signatures are valid and legally compliant.
- Providing you with your registered and bound LPA for secure safekeeping.
Real-Life Protection: Why LPAs Matter
“When Mrs. P was diagnosed with dementia, her chosen Attorneys used her Health & Welfare LPA to ensure she received the exact type of care she had asked for, fulfilling her wishes in the place she felt most comfortable.”