Registering a power of attorney can give you peace of mind that someone you trust is in charge of your affairs, if you’re no longer able to make decisions. If you’re aged 18 or older and have the mental ability to make financial, property and medical decisions for yourself, you can arrange for someone else to make these decisions for you in the future. This legal authority is called “lasting power of attorney”. The person who is given power of attorney is known as the “attorney” and must be over 18 years old. You are known as the “donor”.

Types of power of attorney

There are two different types of power of attorney: lasting power of attorney (LPA) and enduring power of attorney (EPA). LPAs came into force in October 2007. Before that, people made EPAs. It’s no longer possible to make an EPA, but an EPA made before October 2007 remains valid.

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Property & Finance

Health & Welfare

The heath & welfare LPA gives your attorney the power to make decisions about your daily routine (washing, dressing, eating), medical care, moving into a care home and life-sustaining medical treatment. It can only be used if you’re unable to make your own decisions.

Property and Financial LPA

Property and financial affairs LPA gives your attorney the power to make decisions about your money and property, including managing your bank or building society accounts, paying bills, collecting your pension or benefits and, if necessary, selling your home.

If you’d like more information and a quote for your powers of attorney, please call Richard Bishop 0121 421 7144 or email: richard@pfep.co.uk