What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney, usually known as an LPA, is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people you trust to make decisions on your behalf.

The person making the LPA is known as the donor, while the people appointed to act are known as attorneys.

In England and Wales there are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney. A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can cover matters such as bank accounts, bills, investments and property. A Health and Welfare LPA can cover decisions about care, medical treatment and day-to-day wellbeing.

An LPA allows you to decide who should act as your attorney, what authority they should have and, where appropriate, whether any instructions or preferences should apply.

The document must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. Exactly when an LPA can be used depends on the type of LPA and whether the person making it still has mental capacity.

Putting an LPA in place can provide reassurance that someone you have chosen will have the appropriate legal authority if you need help managing your affairs in the future.

At MJV Solicitors, we prepare and register LPAs and advise clients on the arrangements most appropriate for their circumstances.

For a full overview of the service, read our guide to Lasting Powers of Attorney. For information about MJV Solicitors' fixed fees, see our LPA Price Guide.