It is crucial to have Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) in place. Many think that this is something which can wait until they get older or if they begin to show signs of dementia. However, the need for having a valid LPA in place can strike at any time. What if you become ill suddenly, or have an accident? These occurrences can happen at any time of your life.
The solution is to get LPAs in place now. There are two types – one for property and financial affairs, and the second is for health and welfare issues.
You choose who will act as your Attorney so that they can make decisions for you if you are ever unable to do so for yourself. You can have more than one Attorney. The important thing is that they must be proactive and have the skills to enable them to make decisions for you. You can even appoint replacement Attorneys to act in case your main Attorneys cannot do so.
You can give guidance and instructions to your Attorneys in the LPAs. It’s also a good idea to chat to your Attorneys about the way in which you would like them to make decisions on your behalf – should they ever need to do so. Attorneys must always act in your best interests.
Only you can put an LPA in place, and you must have mental capacity to do so, so don’t leave it until it’s too late. It’s better to have LPAs in place and never need them rather than not having any in place at all.
If you would like further information about either the LPA document or the process. Please contact Jenny Mayhew or call the Private Client department on 01825 762281. We are here for you when you need us.