Lasting Powers of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA’s) came into force on the 1st of October 2007 and replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) from that date (although existing EPA’s remain valid).

An LPA is a document which allows you to appoint a person you trust to act as an attorney and make decisions on your behalf if it becomes necessary, for example due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, a stroke or other conditions which can cause loss of capacity.

You can appoint a family member or a friend or a solicitor. It is possible to appoint one person to act, or to name more than one person and specify different areas that each can make decisions about. It is also possible to specify that decisions should be made jointly by both attorneys.

There are two different types of LPA:

Property and Affairs LPA – this gives the attorney authority to make decisions about your financial affairs
Personal welfare LPA – this gives the attorney authority to make decisions about your health care and personal welfare including consenting to or refusing medical treatment on your behalf.

If you do not have an EPA or LPA no-one can access your accounts or deal with your affairs. In the event of incapacity somebody would have to apply to the Court for authority to do so, which is a lengthy and expensive process.

Seymours provide expert advice and assistance at a competitive price in relation to Powers of Attorney. We offer a sympathetic and friendly service and can arrange home visits if required.