Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

We help individuals and families prepare a clear, robust Lasting Power of Attorney so that they remain protected, supported, and in control of their affairs no matter what the future holds.

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

An LPA allows you (the donor) to nominate one or more trusted individuals (attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. LPAs are governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used.

There are two types of LPA:

Property and Financial Affairs LPA

This allows your attorney(s) to manage your money, property, and day-to-day finances. It can be used both when you have capacity (with your permission) and if you lose capacity in the future.

Health and Welfare LPA

This authorises your attorney(s) to make decisions about your medical care, daily routines, living arrangements, and even life-sustaining treatment. It can only be used once you are unable to make those decisions yourself.

Both LPAs give you the opportunity to make advance decisions about how you want your affairs managed, and by whom.

Why you should make an LPA

Without an LPA, your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection to manage your affairs. This can be expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally difficult.

Having an LPA in place:

• Gives you control over who makes decisions for you
• Helps to avoid delays and disruption during a crisis
• Protects you against financial abuse or mismanagement
• Offers clarity and peace of mind for your loved ones
• Ensures your wishes are respected in healthcare decisions
• Complements your Will as part of a wider estate plan

An LPA is a precaution that many people never need but those who do are grateful to have it.

Our LPA services

We offer a full-service approach to preparing and registering LPAs. We ensure the documents are accurate, properly executed and reflect your personal wishes.

We can assist you with:

• The differences between the two types of LPA
• Who to appoint as your attorney(s) and why
• Whether to appoint attorneys jointly or jointly and severally
• When you would like the LPA to come into effect
• What instructions or preferences you may wish to include
• The responsibilities your attorneys will have under the law

We are happy to meet in person, by telephone, or via video call -whatever suits your circumstances.

LPA preparation and registration

We handle all aspects of the process, including:

• Drafting your LPAs in line with your instructions
• Completing the necessary formalities and declarations
• Ensuring the documents are correctly signed and witnessed
• Submitting the applications to the Office of the Public Guardian
• Tracking progress and advising you when registration is complete

We can also act as your certificate provider if required, confirming that you understand the LPA and are not under pressure to sign it.

Support for attorneys

If you have been appointed as someone’s attorney, you have legal duties and responsibilities. We advise attorneys on:

• What actions they are permitted to take
• How to manage finances or make healthcare decisions lawfully
• Keeping appropriate records and avoiding conflicts of interest
• When to seek guidance from the Court of Protection or other bodies

Our team can also help resolve disagreements or clarify how the LPA should operate in practice.

We have many years of experience helping clients protect themselves and their families through LPAs. We explain your options in plain English, with empathy and respect for your personal concerns. From initial advice through to registration, we handle the process efficiently and securely.