If you experience ill health or have an accident, and do not have a LPA, there would be no one with authority to make decisions for you. By making LPAs you can control who is appointed, the authority is given while you are fit and well and there is no delay in your chosen attorneys taking up their role if assistance is needed.

There are two types of LPA:

1. Property and Financial Affairs which covers financial and property decisions for example paying of bills, handling of bank accounts and investments and dealing with the sale of a property.

2. Health and Welfare which covers decisions relating to medical treatment, decisions about your health and care needs.

You should consider who you would like to be your attorneys carefully. Your attorneys have a duty to help you make decisions. However, if you are unable to make decisions even with their help, your attorneys must act in your best interests.

A Certificate Provider who is either someone you have known for two years or alternatively a professional, will sign the document to confirm that you understand what you are doing and that you are not under pressure to enter into an LPA.

Once an LPA has been signed by you and your chosen attorneys, the LPAs are registered at the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The OPG are on hand to ensure that there is no foul play. The OPG may step in if it thinks it necessary to safeguard your position.

Making Lasting Powers of Attorney gives peace of mind enabling those appointed to help when needed.

Fogwill & Jones (Legal Services) Limited can help with the preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney. We will liaise with you, your attorneys and Certificate Providers to sign the document before assisting in the registration process.

For further information, please either call us on 0114 258 8887 or complete our Contact Enquiry page.