Lasting Powers of Attorney
MJV Solicitors can help you plan for the future with Lasting Powers of Attorney to help others make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to.
Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors in Blackpool, Cleveleys and the Fylde Coast
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows a person (the donor) to appoint one or more people that they trust (attorneys) to make decisions on their behalf about property and financial affairs or about health and welfare, if they lose mental capacity or if they are unable to do so.
At MJV Solicitors, our experienced private client solicitors specialise in preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) for clients across Blackpool, Cleveleys and the Fylde Coast. We provide clear, practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances, ensuring you fully understand the scope and effect of the LPA, and can assist you with registering your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
To speak with a member of our team about how we can help with your Lasting Power of Attorney, complete our enquiry form or contact us by calling 01253 858231 or emailing us at info@mjvlaw.co.uk
What are LPAs Used For?
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA):
1
Property and Financial Affairs LPA
This legally allows attorneys to make decisions about your financial matters, including items such as:
- managing bank accounts and finances,
- paying bills,
- collecting benefits or a pension
- managing investments, and
- property.
This Property and Financial Affairs LPA can be used as soon as it is registered, even if you still have mental capacity, providing some flexibility over how it can be used and when.
2
Health and Welfare LPA
This legally allows attorneys to make decisions for you about:
- medical treatment,
- care arrangements, and
- where someone lives.
A Health and Welfare LPA can only be used once the donor lacks mental capacity.
Before creating a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare or Property and Financial Affairs, you must prove that you understand the nature of the LPA you are creating. The test that must be satisfied before you can make an LPA is set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Our LPA solicitors can assess your circumstances, consider your requirements, and guide you through the process. We will ensure the Health and Welfare LPA or Property and Financial Affairs LPA is suitable for your needs and you fully understand what is being included.
LPA Registration and Use
An LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. Registration usually takes several weeks.
Once registered:
- a Property and Financial Affairs LPA may be used with straight away with the donor’s consent,
- a Health and Welfare LPA only applies after loss of capacity.
- LPAs automatically end on death.
Why are LPAs Used?
Even if you are married or in a civil partnership, your spouse or other family members will not automatically be allowed to take over your financial affairs or medical decisions if you lose capacity.
Without an LPA, decisions may need to be made through the Court of Protection, which is a separate legal process that can be lengthy, costly, and much more stressful.
LPAs are commonly used as part of wider estate planning and asset protection.
How MJV Solicitors can help
When instructed to assist with an LPA, we assist by:
- explaining the difference between the two types of LPA,
- preparing the documents correctly,
- guiding clients through signing and registration,
- checking that paperwork is completed properly, and
- ensuring it is registered correctly.
Trusted Local LPA Solicitors
With offices in Blackpool and Thornton-Cleveleys, MJV Solicitors provides professional LPA services throughout the Fylde Coast. We regularly assist clients based in Fleetwood, Thornton-Cleveleys, Bispham, Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lytham St Annes and the surrounding areas.
MJV Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our team prepares Lasting Powers of Attorney in accordance with the law of England and Wales. When drafting LPAs for our clients, we explain matters clearly, record instructions accurately, and ensure documents are properly executed and registered.
If you would like clear, professional advice about setting up an LPA, contact our experienced private client solicitors in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast today.
Complete our enquiry form or contact us by calling 01253 858231 or emailing us at info@mjvlaw.co.uk
This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
What Will It Cost?
We understand that cost is often a concern when seeking legal advice, and we can offer fixed fees for our LPA services. Our solicitors will always ensure that you are fully aware of any costs involved, so there are no surprises when our bill arrives.
You can find out more about our fees for preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney here: LPA Price Guide.
We also appreciate that our clients may not always be available to meet with us at our offices or during traditional office hours. That is why we can arrange to meet you at a time and place that suits you, wherever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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