Book An Appointment
Will Writing and Lasting Power of Attorney appointments available over the phone or online.
1 IN 4 PEOPLE WILL REQUIRE CARE AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES.
Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance: The Importance of Having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
According to official figures, less than 1% of people in the UK have secured their peace of mind by setting up an LPA.
Contrary to what many people think, LPAs are not only necessary for the elderly. Mental capacity can be lost at any age, and having an LPA in place is crucial for anyone who wants to plan for their future and protect their interests.
The Right Will Service
At The Right Will, we believe that everyone deserves to protect their interests and plan for their future. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping more people set up their LPAs, one person at a time.
“Plan Ahead Now For A Time When You May Not Have The Mental Capacity To Make Financial Decisions”
What is An LPA?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that gives one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) the power to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to.
Two Types of LPA
There are two types of LPA in England: health and welfare LPA, and property and financial affairs LPA. Both LPA gives an attorney legal power to make decisions on one’s behalf.
- A health and welfare LPA permits welfare decisions, ranging from daily routine to medical treatment decisions. It can only be exercised when the donor loses their capacity.
- A property and financial affairs LPA allows decisions on investments, properties, and bank accounts. The attorney can take action and make decisions with the donor’s consent, even if they have mental capacity, unlike a health and welfare LPA.
While both responsibilities are often assigned to the same individual, the donor can tailor the powers to their needs. They may choose to create one type of power of attorney or give the roles to different individuals if it serves their interests.
Follow These Easy Steps to Create a Lasting Power of Attorney
If you want to create a Lasting Power of Attorney that truly represents your values and unique situation, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Complete the Application Forms
The first step in creating an LPA is to complete the application forms and submit them to the Office of the Public Guardian. While this can be done online, it’s important to take the time to consider your options and seek professional advice if necessary.
Don’t rush this step – it’s important to ensure that you understand the process and the implications of creating an LPA.
Step 2: Choosing Your Attorney(s)
After deciding to create an LPA, the next step is to choose your attorney(s). Although many people select their close relatives, it’s important to think about any problems that may arise, like joint property ownership, which could reduce their ability to make decisions.
Appointing multiple attorneys can help avoid such problems and ensure that decisions can still be made if one attorney is unavailable.
Keep in mind that the trustworthiness of an individual and their ability to act in your best interest are essential factors to consider when selecting attorneys for your affairs.
Step 3: Define the Types of Decisions and How You Want Them to be Made
Once you’ve chosen your attorneys, the next step is to outline specific preferences and restrictions on certain decisions. It’s important to be specific and clear about your wishes, so your attorneys understand your desires and can act accordingly.
Step 4: Notify Two People of Your Intention to Make an LPA
To make your decisions legally binding, you must complete a separate form notifying two persons of your intention to make an LPA. Your application will then be submitted to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), which will process and then issue the power of attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take to Get a Lasting Power of Attorney in the UK?
If there are no errors in the application, registering a lasting power of attorney takes up to 20 weeks.
What is the Difference Between a Power of Attorney and a Lasting Power of Attorney?
When you no longer have the mental capacity to make your own decisions, an ordinary power of attorney becomes invalid. A lasting power of attorney, however, can make decisions on your behalf in the event that you lose the mental capacity to do so.
What Could Happen If I Don’t Create an LPA?
If you have not established an LPA before you become mentally incapacitated (through illness or accident), you will lose the ability to control who makes decisions on your behalf.
Can My Attorney Charge Money for Acting for Me?
There is no rule that says you have to pay your attorneys, but if you do, you can choose the rate of pay for each one individually. Attorneys can claim reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred when acting on your behalf.
The Right Will: Your Partner for LPA Services in Bromsgrove
Taking proactive measures to secure your future and safeguard your loved ones is paramount. One crucial step towards achieving this is by creating an LPA. Contact our Bromsgrove office today to get started.
Serving Communities In and Around Bromsgrove
Bromsgrove, a traditional market town located in Worcestershire, England, is a thriving community situated in the West Midlands region. Bromsgrove is known for its historic buildings, including the 14th-century parish church of St. John the Baptist, which has a tower that stands 200 feet high.
The town was once a major centre for nail-making and wire-drawing industries in the 18th and 19th centuries, with products exported all over the world. Bromsgrove has a vibrant local community, with numerous cultural events, sports activities, and business opportunities.