Lasting Powers of Attorney Solicitors

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

As discussed above, there are two different types of LPAs: “Property and Financial Affairs” and “Health and Welfare.”

However, there are a number of different Powers of Attorney which may be used in addition to LPAs.

General Powers of Attorney

This is the shortest type of Power of Attorney and can only be used to give power over the Donor’s property and financial affairs. This type of document is useful for short-term needs, for example if the Donor is going away and wishes the Attorney to manage their affairs during that time. This does not stop the Donor from managing their own affairs and the Attorney will be accountable to the Donor for the decisions made and the actions taken on the Donor’s behalf. However, it should be noted that the General Power of Attorney will cease to be effective if the Donor loses their mental capacity. 

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)

It is no longer possible to make this type of Power of Attorney, however EPAs that were made in previous years are valid and will remain so provided that they were properly executed. An EPA will allow the Attorney to make decisions about the Donor’s property and financial affairs. However, an EPA must be registered if the Donor begins to lose their mental capacity. If you would like to discuss this further or require any advice or assistance in respect of the registration process, please contact a member of our Private Wealth Team.

The Donor must be over the age of 18 and must understand the following:

1. The extent of the power they are giving to their Attorney;
2. The possible consequences of allowing an Attorney to deal with their affairs; and
3. Be aware of their assets and responsibilities.

In the event that your personal circumstances change you should seek advice as to whether your LPA needs to be updated. However, minor changes such as a change of address will not invalidate the LPA.

The powers given under an EPA and a registered LPA for Property and Financial Affairs include:

• Buying and selling the Donor’s property
• Opening, closing and operating the Donor’s bank and building society accounts
• Buying, selling and dealing with the Donor’s investments
• Claiming any benefits that the Donor is entitled to, such as their Pension or Attendance Allowance and other State benefits

The Attorney cannot make a Will or vote on the Donor’s behalf.

Unless the Donor gives the Attorney the power to, the Attorney cannot have access to the Donor’s Will.

The powers given under a Health and Welfare LPA include:

• Giving or refusing consent to particular types of healthcare
• Liaising with Social Services about care packages to enable the Donor to stay in their own home, or, if necessary, finding a suitable residential care or nursing home
• Everyday decisions such as what the Donor should wear or what meals they will have

In both cases, an Attorney must support and help the Donor to reach decisions. The Attorney must have regard to any guidance or instruction that the Donor may have included in the LPA or stored alongside an LPA.

The Attorneys

The Donor should ensure that they have discussed their wishes with the proposed Attorneys to ensure that they are happy to act.

The Certificate Provider

This is the person who will go through the document with the Donor and ensure they understand the powers they are giving to the Attorneys. The Certificate Provider will then sign the document to confirm that they are satisfied that the Donor understands the purpose of the LPA and that they have sufficient capacity to sign the LPA.

Notified Persons

Whilst it is not compulsory, depending on your circumstances it may be sensible to consider formally notifying other individuals. This is done at the time of registration to provide the opportunity for the notified person to raise any concerns that they may have in relation to your proposed Attorney.