What is a LPA?

Lasting Powers of Attorney Explained: Protect Your Health & Finances

Introduction

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity. It’s a key part of planning ahead — alongside your Will.

Types of LPAs

• Health and Welfare LPA: Decisions about medical care, daily living, and personal welfare.

  Your Health and Welfare agreement will enable your chosen Attorney to have ultimate control over important care decisions.

  Many people don’t realise this legislation until it is too late. We have heard tragic stories of families being split up because in the absence of Health and Welfare LPAs, Social Services have taken control against close families wishes and relocated helpless elderly residents to cheaper areas for their care!

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA: Decisions about bank accounts, property, and bills.

  Did you know that legally, if a bank account holder was to lose capacity, banks can decide to temporarily restrict the use of the account until a deputy has been appointed through the courts? This even applies to joint bank accounts and married couples - so spouses are not automatically entitled to access their partners funds, even if held in joint accounts

  How would your family cope if you had an accident or sudden illness and then they couldn’t access the primary family funds?

• Business LPA: Self Employed & Business Owners

  If you run a business, particularly if you are self employed, you should consider what would happen if you have an accident or sudden illness and were unable to work.

  With an LPA you can nominate a trusted individual to seamlessly take over your business, either to continue trading or to wind up your affairs and close bank accounts on your behalf.

Why You Need an LPA

• Protects your assets and health

• Ensures trusted people make decisions for you

• Reduces stress and potential disputes for family members

How Secure Wills Can Help

• Guidance on choosing attorneys

• Step-by-step LPA creation

• Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian