There are two different types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) available to individuals wishing to make provision for their future:-
Property & Financial Affairs LPA
This allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions about how to spend your money and the way your property and financial affairs are managed. Once registered, and unless you have put a restriction on it, this type of LPA can be used by your attorney immediately.
Health and Welfare LPA
This allows you to choose a person to make decisions on your behalf relating to your personal healthcare and welfare including decisions to give or refuse consent to treatment on your behalf and deciding where you live. These decisions can only be taken on your behalf when the LPA has been registered and you lack the capacity to make the necessary decision for yourself. This is similar to a current Living Will.
When an LPA is signed, a certificate must be completed by a Lawyer, Doctor, Social Worker or an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate to confirm that the person making the document understands the meaning of the LPA and the consequences of it.
Merry & Co will be providing this certificate FREE OF CHARGE to clients who draw up their LPA with us.
Please note that an LPA can only be used once it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian at a cost of £82.00 per LPA. A reduction or exemption may be available depending on income or benefit status.
