What is lasting power of attorney?
Lasting Power of Attorney
You might want to plan for a time when you can't handle your daily affairs or make decisions about your property, finances, health, and welfare due to an accident or illness (you 'lack mental capacity').
You can choose someone to help make decisions or to make these decisions for you (known as 'attorneys'). This is called a Lasting Power of Attorney.
Find out more information on the GOV.UK website about choosing your attorney
There are two types of lasting power of attorney:
- health and welfare
- property and financial affairs.
You can choose to make one type or both
People often choose more than one person to make these decisions. This prevents misuse of the power over property and finances that come with a power of attorney. It's also useful because different people may have different skills in managing property, finances, or health and welfare.
Attorneys can work together (everyone signs) or separately (one person signs). If you change your mind about who you've chosen, you can cancel the document.
You must apply for a lasting power of attorney when you have capacity to do so, and must be over 18.
Making a Lasting Power of Attorney
You can make a lasting power of attorney (LPA) online or using paper form.
To apply online, and find out more about making a lasting power of attorney, visit the GOV.UK website.
Once you've made your lasting power of attorney you must register your lasting power of attorney or your attorney will not be able to make decisions for you.