In the last year we’ve seen a huge 51.7% increase in the number of LPAs we’ve produced for our clients. The Covid pandemic created uncertainty but also the opportunity to reflect and get affairs in order.
Many new LPA clients have come from outside the local area – referred by family or friends. This has demonstrated that we can provide our highly personal service remotely via ‘phone, email and video call.
What is a Lasting power of Attorney (LPA)?
A Power of Attorney is very simply a document in which you give someone the right to do something which you can normally do for yourself.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a power of attorney that is intended to continue even if you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself.
Who needs a Lasting Power of Attorney?
We have produced LPAs for an increasingly wide range of clients over the last year. In the past clients tended to be older or have health concerns. Now clients are simply wanting to be prepared and have their affairs in order in case of unexpected events. The pandemic has demonstrated that the unexpected can happen and people increasingly want the peace of mind an LPA can bring.
In short, whatever your age and circumstances, having an LPA in place can relieve family and friends of a great deal of stress if you suffer accident or illness.
The two types of LPA:
1: Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs:
Appoints Attorney(s) to handle only your financial affairs. The powers are only used if and when necessary or required by you. eg: Your Attorney could access your bank account to pay bills on your behalf if you were unable to.
2: Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare:
Allows Attorney(s) to make decisions on your behalf about medical treatment and care but only when you cannot do so for yourself. eg: Your Attorney could make decisions about what medical treatments you receive.
You can have either or both Powers of Attorney in place.
Want to know more?
In June last year we produced a free no-nonsense guide to LPAs. The guide was written by our LPA expert, Iestyn Milton-Jenkins, who has decades of experience in preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney. It has been hugely popular – read by hundreds of clients and downloaded from our website repeatedly over the last year.
You can read the guide online here or simply phone the office to request a free copy in the post – call 01643 703234
Now, more than ever, it’s important to get the best legal advice
01643 703234 email enquiries@thornesegar.co.uk