What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to make decisions on your behalf if you can no longer do so. This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and can’t make decisions at the time they need to be made. There are two types of LPAs:
- LPA for Financial Decisions – Covers managing your bank account and selling your house.
- LPA for Health and Care Decisions -This is used only if you cannot make decisions about your care or medical treatment.
What if there is no LPA if I lose mental capacity?
Without an LPA, if you lose mental capacity, someone may need to apply to the court to become your ‘deputy’, a process which can be lengthy and expensive. It’s less predictable than an LPA because the court decides who is appointed rather than you.
What rights does a Lasting Power of Attorney have?
An attorney under an LPA has the authority to make decisions about your property and financial affairs or health and welfare, depending on the type of LPA. However, they must always act in your best interests and consider your wishes where possible.
