A lasting power of attorney, or LPA, is a key document which allows anyone to appoint a nominated, trusted person who would be able to make decisions on their behalf should they lose the capacity to make their own decisions. There are two types of LPA available: one relates to finances and property, and the other to health and welfare. Read on for six commonly asked questions.
How can I arrange an LPA?
It can be arranged at a solicitor’s office, or it is easy to arrange a power of attorney online by using a specialist service such as Power Of Attorney Online.
What is the benefit of having an LPA?
An LPA allows you to nominate someone you already know and trust to make decisions for you, such as a family member or friend. Without an LPA being in place, any doctors or other professionals involved in your care will make decisions they consider to be in your best interests, but they do not know you well, and this may not always align with your wishes.
Can I still make my own decisions?
Simply put, yes. You can continue to make all of your own decisions until such a time as medics have deemed you to no longer have capacity. This may be due to illness, for example. Only at this point is your nominee allowed to act on your behalf and make decisions in your best interests.
Are there restrictions on whom I can nominate?
Your nominee must be over 18. It is not possible to nominate someone who is currently under a bankruptcy order until this is discharged, according to GOV.UK.
How many people can I nominate?
Technically, there is no upper limit on how many attorneys you can appoint. However, it’s generally advised to limit this to two or three so that they can jointly make decisions without difficulty.
Is it more costly to appoint more than one attorney?
No – the price is the same, regardless of how many people you appoint to be your attorneys.