Lasting Powers Of Attorney

What is an LPA?

Whilst you have your mental capacity and are physically able you handle your own financial affairs, when you die your Executor will handle them. In the mean time if through accident, illness or eventually old age you should lose your capacity then there's a gap where no one has the automatic legal right to handle your affairs on your behalf. There are two types of LPA; one for Property & Affairs and another for Health & Welfare.

If the problems occur and there are no plans in place, your family will have to make application for Power of Attorney over you, via the court, The Office of Public Guardian. This can be a long, complex and expensive process.

With an LPA in place, you have nominated your potential attorneys and effectively greatly simplified the process, so the courts only have to 'Register' your documents if the problem arises.

Who should be my Attorneys?

You may appoint anyone who is over 18 and is not bankrupt and has 'mental capacity' as your attorney(s). They must be people whom you trust, and we always recommend that you choose two attorneys ie. your spouse and one other. You can also appoint 'reserve attorneys'.

When Should I 'execute' my LPA?

Do it as soon as possible. We do not know what life has in store for us, a Will and an LPA give us the peace of mind that no matter what happens to us, we have appointed people to act on our behalf.

How do I arrange for an LPA?

As a part of our service Goodwills recommend our clients execute an LPA at the time they draft a Will. If you already have a Will and wish to effect an LPA we will be happy to assist you.