Making a Lasting Power of Attorney is easy with us
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint people to manage your affairs on your behalf if you become unable to make your own decisions. This gives you more control over what happens to you if, for example, you have an accident or an illness and can’t make decisions at the time they need to be made.
It is used on your behalf whilst you are alive – unlike your Will which only comes into effect after your death. Lasting Powers of Attorney can therefore make a significant difference to your quality of life in later years.
If you do not have a Lasting Power of Attorney your family must go to the Court of Protection to get the authority they need to act on your behalf. This is a time consuming, costly and frustrating process. By creating this document now, you’re making things simpler and less complicated for them in the future.
Why is a Lasting Power of Attorney So Important?
- Once you lose capacity it is too late. Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, your family can’t step in to manage things for you without getting the Courts approval.
- Your spouse, partner or children do not automatically have the legal authority to access your bank accounts to pay your bills for you. If they do so after you have lost capacity, they will be acting fraudulently. Don’t put them at risk.
- You can make things more difficult for your family at an already difficult time. They won’t have authority to manage your affairs and won’t be able to make decisions for you quickly and efficiently.
- It gives peace of mind to you, and peace of mind to your family. You know exactly who will be making decisions for you – and you can even provide them with guidance. For example, what would you want them to do if you need care in the future? Or what decisions you would want them to make if you require life sustaining treatment?.
Whilst Lasting Powers of Attorney are completely separate documents to your Will, many people choose to put them in place at the same time. Together, your Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney ensure that all of your affairs can be dealt with in line with your wishes – no matter what life throws at you.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney
A Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney covers decisions about:
- managing bank accounts and investments
- paying bills
- dealing with your income and tax matters
- selling your home and managing property.
It may be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission.
A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney covers decisions about:
- your daily routine, eg washing, dressing, eating
- any medical care you require
- moving into a care home
- decisions about life-sustaining treatment
It can only be used when you’re unable to make your own decisions.
Whilst we recommend both types of Lasting Power of Attorney, they operate independently of each other.
How Much Does it Cost to Make a Lasting Power of Attorney?
We charge a fixed fee for advising on and preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney. This fee depends on whether you are putting in place just one, or both documents. The fee we quote also includes the paperwork to register your Lasting Power of Attorney(s) if you choose to register.
Lasting Powers of Attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used. A registration fee of £82 per document is payable to the Court at the time of registration. Registering is considered best practice due to the length of time it takes to complete the registration process (up to 12 weeks). Should a problem arise with your documents during the registration process once you have lost capacity, it will be too late to make corrections.
You may be eligible for a reduced registration fee and we will provide you with details of this if it applies to you.
Once you have a written price from us, that price will not change.
We make the Lasting Power of Attorney Process Easy
Making a Lasting Power of Attorney can be quick, easy and enjoyable in the right hands. We’ll give you the right information and guidance so you make a Lasting Power of Attorney that’s exactly right for you and your circumstances.
If you have been introduced to us by your accountant or financial adviser, with your permission they will put us in touch with each other.
If you are approaching us directly, please contact us below for information on what happens next.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact us to start making your Lasting Powers of Attorney today
tel: 01206 618307
50 School Road, Copford, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1BU