Lasting Powers of Attorney solicitors in Buckley & Shotton
Learn more about looking after someone else’s affairs or appointing someone to look after yours from our friendly and helpful Lasting Powers of Attorney solicitors in Buckley and Shotton.
You might naturally assume that your spouse will be able to deal with your bills, bank accounts, pension, or choose how to proceed with your care if you lose the ability to. However, that isn’t the case.
Getting Lasting Powers of Attorney protects both the attorney and the person on whose behalf they are acting when you or someone you are close to will lose the ability to make decisions.
To discuss any of our services, please either call us on 01244 917 822 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets a “donor” person appoint one or more “attorneys” to make decisions on their behalf or in concert with them.
You can set up LPA to cover immediate circumstances or so they’re ready to come into effect in future. This might be the right choice if you or a loved one may lose mental capacity in the months or years to come.
You can also set up “lasting powers” that only cover a temporary situation. If you were ill in hospital and wanted someone to handle paying your bills, for example.
The two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney
There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Both need to be registered with a government department called the Office of the Public Guardian.
1) Lasting Powers of Attorney for financial decisions
When setting up LPA for financial decisions, you can decide which specific types of decisions your attorney can make. Or you can decide to let them make all financial decisions for you.
This kind of Lasting Power of Attorney can cover a wide range of financial decisions, including:
- Paying your bills or mortgage
- Buying, selling, or arranging repairs for property
- Investing money
It’s worth knowing that, as an attorney, you must keep clear accounts and your money separate from that of the “donor” whose decisions you are making. As a “donor”, you can ask for financial records to be sent to your Lasting Power of Attorney solicitor or a family member at any time.
2) Lasting Powers of Attorney for health and care decisions
Giving someone LPA for your health and care decisions will only come into effect when you lose the mental capacity to make decisions for yourself. Someone with this kind of LPA may be able to decide:
- Basics like where you live and what you can eat
- Who you can or should meet or the social activities you are involved in
- Your medical care, including life-saving treatments
Who should you choose as your attorney?
Your attorney needs to be someone you trust completely. You might want to consider how well they manage their own affairs and finances and how much you believe they will make decisions that are in your best interests.
This person needs to be 18 or over and have the mental capacity to make their own decisions. You can’t choose to give LPA for financial decisions to someone who is bankrupt or subject to a Debt Relief Order. As your attorney, you might want to choose:
- Your partner or spouse
- A close friend or relative
- A professional, such as a solicitor
It’s also important to consider that this is a role with a great deal of responsibility. Will that person be comfortable and happy to do it for you? If you’re thinking of selecting a friend or family member, it’s always a good idea to give them a little time to think it over.
Read more in our Complete guide to lasting powers of attorney.
Why choose our Lasting Power of Attorney services?
- Approachable and helpful – like you, we know that talking about these matters can require care, tact, and a friendly, supportive manner.
- LEXCEL-accredited – as the first practice in North Wales to receive this Law Society accreditation, we follow approved standards and systems.
- Free initial advice – not sure if you have the proper authority to make decisions for an infirm or elderly loved one? Get free advice from us with zero commitment.
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Get in touch today.
To discuss any of our services, please either call us on 01244 917 822 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.