Lasting Powers of Attorney: Planning for the Unexpected
Most people understand the value of making a will, but fewer appreciate the importance of planning for their lifetime as well.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to choose trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so in the future. It is a sensible safeguard that can protect you and support your family if the unexpected happens.
What an LPA does
An LPA is a legal document made while you have mental capacity. It appoints one or more attorneys to act for you if capacity is lost later.
This is often relevant in cases such as dementia or illness, but it can also apply following an accident or sudden medical event. The key point is that it gives your family a clear legal route to help you, rather than leaving them to navigate court processes.
The two types of LPA
Property and Financial Affairs
Covers managing finances, including paying bills, dealing with accounts, and handling property matters.
Health and Welfare
Covers decisions about care and medical treatment and is only used once you have lost capacity.
Why families can struggle without an LPA
Without an LPA, even close family members may not be able to:
In some circumstances, an application to the Court of Protection may be required. This can be time-consuming and expensive and may add stress at an already difficult time.
LPAs are an important part of sensible planning. They allow you to choose who will help you and how decisions should be made, providing clarity for your loved ones.
Sheltons Solicitors can guide you through preparing LPAs with care and clarity, ensuring the documents reflect your wishes and are properly registered.
Sheltons Solicitors[Text Wrapping Break]Visit: www.sheltons-solicitors.co.uk[Text Wrapping Break]Call: 0115 955 3444[Text Wrapping Break]Email: info@sheltons-solicitors.co.uk
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The information contained in this article does not constitute financial advice or recommendation and should not be considered as such. Sheltons Solicitors does not offer financial advice and is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the authors of this article are not financial advisors and are therefore not authorised to offer financial advice.
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Most people understand the value of making a will, but fewer appreciate the importance of planning for their lifetime as well.
Many couples build long, settled lives together without ever marrying. You may share a home, raise children, care for one another, and consider yourselves family in every meaningful way.
Many couples build long, settled lives together without ever marrying. You may share a home, raise children, care for one another, and consider yourselves family in every meaningful way.