Why Make a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a significant legal document, equally as important as making a Will. Unlike a Will, an LPA is used during your lifetime. It enables you to appoint trusted individuals (your Attorneys) to manage your affairs should you become mentally or physically incapable of doing so yourself.
It is a common misconception that family members can automatically access a person’s bank accounts or manage their affairs if they lose capacity. This is not the case. If there is not an LPA in place, your family would need to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order to gain authority to deal with your finances. The process for a Deputyship Order is often lengthy, costly, and may place additional stress on loved ones at an already difficult time.
Furthermore, the individual who applies to the Court of Protection may not be the person you would have chosen to take control of your financial or personal matters. Putting an LPA in place allows you to decide in advance who you trust to act on your behalf.
There are two types of LPA: Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare.
If you would like to explore which options best suit your circumstances, please contact us on:
01799 523441 – Saffron Walden office
01440 702485 – Haverhill office
01223 832939 – Sawston office
Or send an email to [email protected]
Leanne Mayes joined Adams Harrison after her A Levels in 2002, initially as an office junior/receptionist before working her way up to a secretary and then becoming a PA to the Head of the Department in the Wills, Estates and Trust Department. She has since qualified as a Graduate Legal Executive in April 2013 and was granted a Fellowship in June 2015.
She specialises in the preparation of Wills and administration of estates and can deal with various aspects of Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Order applications.
Winner of the Cambridgeshire and District Law Society Trainee Lawyer of the Year Award 2015.
