Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
It is a legal document that anyone over the age of 18 can make, giving a family member, close friend or other individual you know or trust the power to make decisions or do things for you when either you are no longer able to or want support or help in doing so.
There are two different types of LPA:
- Finance LPA: giving someone power to help you or take over managing your finances for you
- Health and welfare LPA: giving someone power to make decisions about your health and welfare when you can no longer make them for yourself, such as where you live, the care and medical treatment you receive and from whom
Why make an LPA?
An event that affects your ability to make decisions for yourself can happen at any time in your life. This can throw up many practical problems and uncertainty for loved ones if you have not made an LPA, in addition to other stresses.
The LPA helps avoid the significant time and costs that are often incurred by family members left trying to make the right decisions. Most importantly, it gives you a far better say about how you wish for things to be dealt with.
What is the process for making one?
There are three simple steps:
- Meet with one of our team to discuss your wishes and take your instructions
- Tell your family members or loved ones what you intend to do
- Meet with us again with to check and sign the documentation
It is sometimes necessary to get a GP to sign the documentation too, and your LPA will need to be registered at the Office of Public Guardian before it can be used, both of which we will help you with.
How much does it cost?
- Fixed cost of £500 plus VAT – this includes taking your instructions, preparing documentation, obtaining a certificate of capacity, notification and registration of the LPA
- Registration fee of £82
Those with a low or modest income may be exempt from paying the registration fee.
