What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to name someone you trust to make decisions for you if you are not able to make them for yourself, either because you no longer wish to do so, or through ill health. These decisions can be about either your property and finances, your health and welfare.
You would ideally make an LPA when you are in good health, as the process of making an LPA can take several months. For more information on current timescales, click here.
The person who make decisions on your behalf are called attorneys. Read: What is an attorney? and Choosing attorneys and replacement attorneys
The two types of LPA which can be made are:
LPA for property and financial affairs
This allows your attorneys to manage your assets, such as your finances and property.
Decisions can include:
- Paying bills
- Selling your home
- Renting your home
- Investing your money
- Making small gifts to charity or family
LPA for health and welfare
This allows your attorneys to make decisions on your behalf relating to your health and well-being.
Decisions can include:
- Types of medical treatment which you may need
- Your living arrangements
- Receiving care at home or somewhere else
- End-of life care plans
- Following your religious or spiritual beliefs
You can also include guidance for your attorneys on how you would like them to make each decision, or specific instructions which they must follow.
There are several ways in which your attorneys can make decisions for you, which you can read about here: When can my attorneys act for me?
To protect you when making an LPA, a person called a certificate provider will confirm your ability to make and understand the LPA you wish to make. For help choosing who will be your certificate provider, read: Choosing a certificate provider.
Other guidance
If you want to make an LPA but are not sure if you need one, read: Do I need an LPA?
Our guide How do I make an LPA discusses how you can make an LPA either by yourself or with the help of a legal professional such as ourselves.