Power of Attorney

What is an LPA?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people to help you make decisions, or to make decisions on your behalf, should you ever lose the capacity to make decisions alone.

There are two types of LPA.

A Health and Welfare LPA allows the Attorney you appoint to make decisions on your behalf regarding your health. This can include your medical care, your transition into a care home, or any end of life treatment.

A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your Attorney to make decisions about your money and property, such as paying bills, selling your home, or collecting benefits.

Our solicitors at Farnworth Shaw can even act as Attorney ourselves, stepping in if you do not wish to appoint a family member to look after your needs. We can also provide an advice service for people who have been appointed as Attorneys or Deputies in the Court of Protection.

What happens if I don’t make an LPA?

you lose the ability to make decisions and you haven’t made an LPA, it may become more difficult to remain in control of the important things in your life. If you do not have an LPA in place and lose capacity, people you do not know may end up in charge of decisions about your life, such as end of life treatment, and where you live. Your loved ones may have to go to court for the right to make decisions for you, which can be expensive.