Lasting Power of Attorney

Service Description

1) What is LPA? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document and a deed that empowers you to plan for the unexpected. This allows you to appoint a trusted individual(s) known as your “donee(s)” to make decisions on your behalf should you lose your mental capacity in the future. This could be due to reasons like dementia, a severe accident, or even a temporary illness. The LPA also gives the authority to the Donee to sign deeds on the Donor’s behalf. Some examples of deeds include: - An instrument used to appoint another individual to act on your behalf - An instrument used to transfer an interest in immovable property (in the case of an LPA, Donee(s) may be able to do so on behalf of the Donor if they are granted property & affairs powers as defined in the LPA) 2) What are the benefits of LPA? Peace of mind: Knowing your loved ones are not burdened by complex choices during a difficult time, knowing your wishes are being respected even if you could not express them yourself provides immense comfort for you and your loved ones. Empowerment: You get to choose the person(s) you trust to make decisions in your best interest. Avoids Complication in Court: Having an LPA eliminates the need for a lengthy & stressful court process to appoint a deputy should you lose mental capacity without an LPA in place. It is also cheaper than applying for a Deputyship Order through the court. 3) What can your donee decide? You could customize your LPA to grant your donee the decision-making authority in 2 key areas: Personal Welfare: This aspect covers decisions about your daily living arrangements, medical care, and personal needs. Property & Affairs: This empowers your Donee to manage your finances, investments, properties, and handling other legal & business matters. Or Both. 4) What happens if there are more than one donee? Decide if they will act. Jointly: Donees would have to act jointly and not individually. The joint appointment will be terminated should any donee be unable to act. Jointly & severally: Donees can make the decision together jointly or individually. One donee can act without the other donee.