A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is not just a legal document in the UK, it's a crucial tool that allows someone (the 'donor') to appoint one or more individuals (known as 'attorneys') to make decisions on their behalf. LPAs are especially important in situations where the donor might lose the mental capacity, which refers to the ability to make decisions, to handle their affairs due to illness, an accident, or ageing.
There are two types of LPAs: one for financial decisions and another for health and welfare decisions. This article delves into what each type covers, how to set them up, and why they are absolutely essential.
There are two distinct types of LPAs, each serving different purposes:
Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney
This type of LPA comes into play only when the donor loses mental capacity. For instance, if the donor is diagnosed with a severe illness that affects their decision-making abilities, the attorney can decide about the donor's daily routine, medical care, moving into a care home, and life-sustaining treatment choices. It's essential for individuals who wish to have control over their health and welfare decisions if they can no longer make these decisions themselves.
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Unless specified otherwise, this LPA can be used while the donor still has mental capacity. It covers decisions about the donor's finances and property, including managing bank accounts, paying bills, collecting pensions, and selling their home. It's beneficial for individuals who find it hard to get out and about or want someone to act for them.
Setting Up a Lasting Power of Attorney
Setting up an LPA is a forward-thinking step that involves several key stages. It starts with choosing an attorney, then moves on to completing the necessary forms, signing them, and finally registering the LPA. Each step is crucial and this article will guide you through the entire process.
The first step in setting up an LPA is to choose an attorney who is trustworthy and capable of managing your affairs effectively. An attorney can be a family member, a friend, or a professional, and they will be responsible for making decisions on your behalf. You can appoint multiple attorneys and specify whether they can make decisions together, which means they must agree on every decision, or independently, which means they can make decisions separately.
Completing the Forms
To create an LPA, you must complete the necessary forms available from the Office of the Public Guardian in Doncaster. These forms require detailed information about the donor, the attorneys, and the powers granted to them. The powers granted to the attorneys can include making decisions about the donor's health and welfare, managing their finances, and selling their property.
Signing the Forms
Once the forms are completed, they must be signed by the donor, the attorneys, and a certificate provider. The certificate provider is a neutral third party, often a professional like a doctor or solicitor, who confirms that the donor understands the LPA and is not under any pressure to sign it.
Registering the LPA
After the forms are signed, they must be sent to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) for registration. The OPG will review the forms to ensure they are correctly filled out and that the LPA is valid. Once approved, the LPA will be registered and a confirmation will be sent to the donor and attorneys. The LPA can only be used once it is registered, and this process can take several weeks.
Cost of an LPA
The cost of setting up an LPA can vary. Fees are charged for registering each LPA with the OPG, which is required to make the LPA valid. Some individuals may also hire a solicitor to help fill out the forms, adding to the total cost.
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