What is a Lasting Powers of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney allows someone else to make decisions and manage your affairs on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated and are unable to manage them yourself. Whilst it is important to make a will to express your wishes in the event of your death, it is also worthwhile to bear in mind that if you have not made a Lasting Power of Attorney and become physically or mentally incapacitated at some time, all assets may be frozen, including joint bank accounts or joint business accounts for example. The court will have to appoint a Deputy to manage your affairs and this can be very expensive.
To make an enquiry with one of our Lasting Powers of Attorney team, you can call us directly on 01920 466696, complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected] and one of our wills and estate management legal team will be happy to assist with your enquiry.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney, one to manage your financial and property matters and the other to manage your health and personal welfare issues.
There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA):
- LPA for property and financial affairs – this document allows the named attorney(s) to manage your financial and property matters
- LPA for health and welfare – this document allows the named attorney(s) to manage your health and personal welfare issues and can include if need be, medical treatment decisions.
A Lasting Power of Attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used.
Our experienced lasting powers of attorney team based in Ware, Hertfordshire can help you:
- Arrange a meeting to discuss your individual requirements
- Advise you on the types of lasting powers of attorney
- Advise you on the powers your attorneys will have
- Complete the registration process
- Advise attorneys on their obligations and duties
- Act as an appointed attorney if requested
Ask us for a questionnaire by filling out our enquiry form on our Contact us page, emailing us at [email protected] or calling us on 01920 466696.
Can I prepare my own Lasting Power of Attorney?
It is possible to prepare your own Lasting Power of Attorney, and information explaining how to do this can be found on The Public Guardian’s website. However, considering the nature of this important document, especially if you have your own business for example, you may wish to discuss the process with a solicitor who will be able to guide you through the various options available to you.
The old Enduring Power of Attorney
Whilst you can no longer make an EPA (enduring power of attorney) which was the system that was in place before LPAs, and ended in September 2007, if you have one and it was correctly filled in, signed and dated before 1st October 2007, it should still be valid and you don’t necessarily need to make an LPA. However, if circumstances have changed or originally appointed attorneys have died or are no longer able, willing or well enough to act for you, then you should consider updating this document to an LPA.
For Winters and Co to advise or represent you regarding lasting powers of attorney you can fill out enquiry form on our Contact us page, emailing us at [email protected] or calling us on 01920 466696.
Why Choose Winters & Co?
Based in Ware, Hertfordshire we at Winters & Co Solicitors are committed to supporting our clients. We believe in a personal, uncomplicated service in which our clients will feel more comfortable about moving forward whether it be moving home or perhaps what to do next if you’ve lost a loved one. We will always endeavour to meet a client’s needs without unreasonable fees. We believe justice should not be a daunting experience. We will provide you the service you deserve at a sensible cost.
