About Lasting Power of Attorney
Here at Power of Attorney Online we know taking care of your future can seem like a daunting task, but one of the most important steps you can take is setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). It’s one of those things we’d all prefer not to think about—but by facing it head-on, you’ll save yourself and your loved ones a lot of stress down the line. A Lasting Power of Attorney ensures that if something happens to you, the people you trust are in charge of making decisions on your behalf, whether it’s about your health or your finances.
There are two types of LPAs: Health and Welfare and Property and Financial Affairs. Each serves a specific purpose, and ideally, you should have both in place to cover all the bases, At Power of Attorney Online we are experts in both.
Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney
The Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) comes into play when you’re no longer able to make decisions about your personal well-being. This could happen for a variety of reasons—whether it’s due to a long-term illness, an accident, or simply aging. With this LPA, your appointed LPA attorney (the person you choose to make decisions for you) is given the authority to manage your care and well-being based on your wishes.
Think about the scenarios where this would apply. If you’re unable to communicate your preferences, who would you want deciding things like:
Medical treatment
Do you want certain treatments or procedures? Are there any you’d rather avoid?
Living arrangements
Should you remain at home with care or move into a residential facility if your condition worsens?
Life-sustaining treatment
This is a critical area, especially if you have strong feelings about being kept on life support. Your attorney can make decisions based on what you’ve specified in your LPA.
Daily care
This includes things like your diet, activities, and personal care. Small decisions that make a big difference in your day-to-day quality of life.
Without an LPA, these choices may fall to doctors or social workers, who might not know your personal preferences or values. By appointing someone you trust—whether it’s your partner, a close friend, or a family member—you can rest easy knowing the decisions made will be in your best interest.
Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney
The Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) deals with your financial and property matters, which can range from simple tasks like paying bills to more complex issues like managing investments or even selling a home. This LPA gives your LPA attorney the legal authority to take care of your finances if you’re unable to do so yourself.
One of the key things to remember is that this LPA can be used while you’re still able to make decisions but might just need some help managing everything. For instance, if you’re physically unable to handle certain tasks but still mentally sharp, your attorney can step in to help with the day-to-day, keeping things running smoothly.
Some of the decisions your attorney can make under a Property and Financial Affairs LPA include:
Managing your bank accounts
This includes paying bills, handling direct debits, or transferring money.
Paying your mortgage or rent
Ensuring that regular payments are made so you don’t fall behind.
Managing your investments
If you have shares, bonds, or other assets, your attorney can oversee them.
Buying or selling property
If necessary, your attorney can manage any decisions involving your home or other properties you own.
Unlike the Health and Welfare LPA, this one can take effect as soon as it’s registered, which gives you flexibility if you feel you need help sooner rather than later.
Why You Should Have Both LPAs
You might be thinking, “Do I really need both?” The short answer is: yes. Having both a Health and Welfare LPA and a Property and Financial Affairs LPA ensures that all aspects of your life are covered. You don’t want your finances in order but then have decisions about your care being made by someone who doesn’t fully understand your wishes.
Each LPA handles different areas of your life, and together, they create a safety net that protects both your physical well-being and financial interests. And here’s the thing—if you don’t have LPAs in place and something happens to you, your family or loved ones will face delays and complications trying to get the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf. This can be stressful at an already difficult time.
How Power Of Attorney Online Can Help
Now, I know the process of setting up an LPA can feel a bit overwhelming, but that’s where Power Of Attorney Online comes in. We’ve made it easier than ever to get your LPAs sorted with our simple, user-friendly online tools.
The way it works is pretty straightforward:
Creating the LPA Online
Power Of Attorney Online walks you through the whole process step by step, ensuring you’re filling out the forms correctly and making informed decisions along the way. You don’t need to wade through complex legal jargon—they’ve simplified everything so that anyone can complete their LPA with confidence.
Expert Checks
Once you’ve completed your application, our team reviews it for any potential issues before it’s submitted for registration. This is a crucial step because if there’s a mistake in the application, it could lead to delays or even rejection from the Office of the Public Guardian. Having experts check everything over first gives you peace of mind that your LPA is good to go.
Ongoing Support
If you have any questions during the process, their team is on hand to help. Whether you’re unsure about a specific section of the form or need advice on who to choose as your attorney, we’ve got the experience to guide you through it all.
By using Power Of Attorney Online, you’re saving yourself time and effort. Plus, you have the added benefit of knowing that the paperwork has been checked thoroughly, so you’re not left in the lurch if something goes wrong.