A lasting power of attorney, or LPA, can protect you against unexpected events such as losing mental capacity or becoming incapacitated in another way. Many people assume that if they couldn’t make decisions for themselves, a family member or partner could just start making decisions, but it is not that simple. Legally, no one is able to act for you or make decisions on your behalf without them being named in a LPA.

What is an LPA or legal power of attorney?

Whether you create an LPA online or in-person, it is a legal document. It allows someone to appoint an attorney who will be able to act on your behalf or make important decisions in the event that you lose the capacity to carry out these tasks yourself. An LPA can be created independently or with the help of companies such as https://powerofattorneyonline.co.uk.

Lasting power of attorneys have to be created whilst you have mental capacity and they must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian in order for them to become legal.

Making an LPA

This can be done with paper forms or online but, in either case, witness and attorney signatures will be required to create a legally binding document to protect you against the unexpected. Without any mistakes in the application, the process should take around eight to ten weeks. The LPA will only legally apply in Wales and England but you don’t need to be a British citizen or live in Britain to apply.