You may have heard of a Power of Attorney, but not everyone is quite sure exactly what an LPA is used for.
Actually, an LPA is quite a straightforward legal document. Essentially, it allows a person to nominate someone they know and trust, such as a relative or friend, to make decisions on their behalf in the event that they no longer have the capacity to do so.
People can lose capacity for a variety of reasons, including illnesses such as dementia – which affects the brain and memory, or an accident or injury.
It is straightforward to arrange a UK Power of Attorney, and this can even be done online, by visiting specialists such as https://powerofattorneyonline.co.uk/.
It costs £92 to register each LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.
Two Distinct Types
There are actually two types of Power of Attorney, and most people opt to sign both.
One type of LPA relates to Health and Welfare, while the other relates to Property and Finances.
When do LPAs Come into Force?
LPAs can avoid the problems that arise when a person is struggling with the ability to communicate, and make decisions relating to their own health or finances. This may include making decisions such as when carers are needed, or if it may be an appropriate time to move into a care home.
Nominated attorneys are only legally allowed to make those decisions in the event that the person has lost capacity – they can’t do so before then.