Lasting Power of Attorney
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions.
A lasting power of attorney is a completely separate legal document to your will although many people put them in place at the same time as getting their will written, as part of planning for the future.
Property & Finance
A financial decisions LPA lets your attorney handle (and make decisions about) your money and property. This can include paying your bills, selling your property, collecting your pension, and collecting your benefits.
A health and welfare LPA lets your attorney make decisions about your medical treatment and day-to-day care. This can include where you live, what you eat, what medical treatment you receive, as well as appointments such as beauty and other personal support.
Health & Welfare
FAQ
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If were married or live together do we still need Power of Attorney?
YES being married makes you each other's next of kin, but it doesn't legally allow you to make decisions for each other should one of you become sick.
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What happens if we don't set it up and one of us becomes sick?
Your partner would have to apply to court to look after your health & welfare and financial needs, this process is costly it can take years to be granted and you could be locked out of your finances.
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Can we have more than one attorney and include our children as attorneys?
Yes, you can have several attorneys with designated responsibilities to include your partner, children, or family friend as long as they are 18 years and over.