Power of Attorney

All of us would wish to carry on running our personal and financial affairs for as long as we can, with the ability to make our own decisions but without a Power of Attorney in place, unforeseen problems can arise.

There are many factors that could potentially affect our capacity to do this, including severe learning disabilities, mental health problems, a brain injury or stroke, an accident causing severe injury, or simply old age.

Our experienced and specialist team understand the issues which arise from those suffering from a lack of capacity and have the skills to advise their clients when they find themselves facing these situations.

Lasting Power of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows someone to choose other people who they want to make decisions on their behalf when they lack the mental capacity or require assistance managing their finances.

There are two types of LPA:
(i) Property and financial affairs
(ii) Health and welfare.

We can help you decide which type of Power of Attorney would suit you and explain the nature and effects of creating this document.

Key Stages

The key stages when drawing up Lasting Power of Attorney documents are as follows:

  1. Advising you as to the nature and effect of the LPA(s).
  2. Preparing the relevant documents ready for your signature.
  3. Attending both you and your attorneys (if required to do so) to sign the documents;
  4. Arranging for the LPA(s) to be registered with The Office of the Public Guardian (“OPG”); and
  5. Providing you with copies and storing the originals in this firm’s strong room for safe keeping.

Timescales

Your LPA documents will normally take around 3-4 weeks to prepare as the attorneys will need to sign the documents. The registration process typically takes 8-10 weeks, although during busy periods this can be longer. The OPG are currently running at a backlog.

Pricing

Information regarding pricing relating to Lasting Powers of Attorney can be found on our Pricing page. Please note: In addition to our fees, there is also a registration fee for your LPAs of £82 per document which is payable to the Office of Public Guardian.

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