Powers of Attorney
One day, you may not want or be able to manage your own financial or welfare matters without help.
No one knows what’s around the corner and no one wants to think about becoming ill or having an accident, but these things unfortunately happen and, when they do, having Lasting Powers of Attorney in place is one less thing for you and your family to worry about.
Most people don’t realise that if you lose the ability to make financial and welfare decisions for yourself, your partner or family do not automatically have the right to do this on your behalf. In fact, unless you plan ahead, you will have no say in who makes those decisions.
It’s important to make Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) while you are mentally able. By making LPA's while you are able, you make the decision about who will manage your property and financial affairs, and make decisions about your health and welfare if you are unable to do solook after your affairs if the time comes.
Lasting Powers of Attorney give another person or people , called your ‘attorney’, the authority to make certain decisions on your behalf, in the event of you being unable to make those decisions for yourself.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:
- A property and financial affairs LPA gives your attorney the authority to deal with your property and financial affairs
- A health and welfare LPA allows your attorney to make welfare and healthcare decisions on your behalf. This could also extend, if you wish, to giving or refusing consent to the continuation of life sustaining treatment.
Our specialist team here at Gorvins can help you make Lasting Powers of Attorney and can discuss the options with you. For both types of LPA's you can instruct someone you trust to act on your behalf, or you can give them specific guidance on your wishes.
- Who should I appoint as my attorney?
- What if I already have an Enduring Power of Attorney?
- Can I get Lasting Powers of Attorney on behalf of a friend or relative I am worried about?