What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

You can apply to give ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’ to someone you trust so that if anything happens to you which causes a permanent loss of mental capacity, that person can make decisions regarding your financial affairs and/or welfare needs for you. This could happen if, for example, you start to suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer’s, or have a stroke.

It is also possible to give someone authority to handle your financial affairs if you are physically incapacitated. In these circumstances, the person can only make decisions with your permission.

The person or people you choose to do this are called attorney(s).

I have an Enduring Power of Attorney – Can I still use it?

If you made and signed an Enduring Power of Attorney prior to 1st October 2007, you can still use it. However, if you did not get the form signed and registered by that date, you would now need to make an application for a Lasting Power of Attorney instead.

Contact Our Expert Solicitors Today

If you would like to know more information about Lasting Power of Attorneys and how they work, you can get in touch with our experienced LPA solicitors, based in London, by telephone on 0207 486 5131 or make an online enquiry here

This blog was prepared by Nicola Samuda on 20 February 2020. It is not intended to be advice and should not be relied upon as such. To contact Nicola, call 0207 486 5131 or email her at nicola.samuda@mwh-law.co.uk.