Lasting power of attorney (LPA)
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document nominating someone you trust to make decisions for you in the future.
When LPA is in place, the nominated person would make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make them for yourself.
There are two types of LPA:
- health and welfare
- property and financial affairs
Health and welfare LPA
This may include decisions about:
- your daily routine
- your medical care
- moving into a care home
- receiving life-sustaining treatment.
This type of LPA only comes into force after a person has lost capacity to make decisions.
Property and financial affairs LPA
This may include decisions about:
- managing a bank or building society account
- paying bills
- receiving benefits
- collecting a pension
- selling your home
This type of LPA may come into force before or after a person has lost capacity to make decisions.
Setting up an LPA
A person cannot set up an LPA after they have lost capacity to make decisions themselves. In those circumstances, decisions would be made via deputyship or a professional's 'best interest assessment'.
There are many organisations that can help you set up one or both types of LPA. Most solicitors offer this service and fees will vary.
However, you can also do this yourself online and only pay the registration fee. See: GOV.UK - Make a lasting power of attorney.
