Lasting Powers of Attorney

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a way of giving someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions

on your behalf in the event that you should lose mental capacity, become ill or no longer be able / or wish

to make decisions for yourself.

There are two types of LPA:

1. For financial decisions

2. For health and care decisions

An LPA for financial decisions can be used while someone still has mental capacity. An attorney (the person

who makes decisions for you) can generally make decisions on things such as:

• Buying and selling property

• Paying the mortgage

• Investing money

• Paying bills

• Arranging repairs to property.

An LPA for health and care decisions – covers decisions about healthcare as well as personal welfare and

can only be used once a person has lost mental capacity. An attorney can generally make decisions about

things such as:

• Where you should live

• Your medical care

• What you should eat

• Who you should have contact with

• What kind of social activities you should take part in.

You can restrict or specify the types of decisions your attorney can make, or you can allow them to make

all decisions on your behalf. If you set up an LPA for financial decisions, your attorney must keep accounts

and make sure their money is kept separate from your money. You can request regular details of how much

is spent and how much income you have. This offers you an extra layer of protection. If you lose mental

capacity, these details can be sent to your solicitor or a family member.