What is an LPA and should I have one?

LPA is short for “Lasting Power of Attorney”.  Whilst these are most used in later life, the intention when they were introduced was that they were aimed at much younger generations.  Many people do not understand what these are and why it is important to have one.

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The key point to realise is that there is no automatic right for your next of kin to take financial or health decisions on your behalf.  This is starting to be more widely appreciated but there is still a generation who were perhaps able to care for their own parents without requiring a legal document to do so.  Things have changed and anyone caring (or intending to care) for their parents in later life really must ensure that LPAs are in place.

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Leaving it until you are older is a very risky thing to do. Things can be left too late, which leaves you and your loved ones in a financial muddle, and makes everyone’s life much more difficult.  Leaving it too late makes things a lot more costly, especially if you are not of sound mind, as an application to the Court of Protection would then have to be applied for by your family.

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By sorting an LPA sooner rather than later it allows you to plan in advance what decisions you want to be made before someone else has to make them, and you can chose someone you trust to do these for you yourself.  For information on LPAs see our further information here.

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Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors are experienced in supporting families putting LPAs in place, and can help guide you through the process, including if you have any questions about who to appoint.  We recognise that, whilst from a legal perspective they are essential documents, there can be a sensitivity about putting them in place.  Please contact us if you are looking at LPAs for either yourself or a family member, and we would be happy to assist.