Many people are unaware of what an LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) actually is. We’d all rather know that we’re in safe hands should anything untoward happen to us, right? This is why learning more about appointing an LPA is a very smart choice indeed.
This straightforward process keeps you covered if the worst happens, so your affairs can continue to be managed with your best interests at heart at all times. At St Helens Law, we specialise in the field, giving you the best possible platform to get the process started straight away.
So if you’re on the fence about whether to appoint an LPA in St Helens or elsewhere, allow us to highlight why it’s not only a good idea, but something you should seriously consider putting in place.
What is an LPA?
An LPA is someone who will manage your affairs and make decisions on your behalf, should you lose the ability to do so. This could be through illness, such as dementia, or via an injury that means you can no longer decide for yourself with full mental capacity.
An LPA may be required temporarily, to help pay your bills if hospitalised for example, or appointed on a long-term basis. They can be useful aids when it comes to insurance policies or deciding where you want to go into care.
There are two types of LPA, ones specifically for financial assistance or health and care decisions.
A financial LPA can decide on matters such as how you invest your money and repair your property, whereas a health and care LPA can dictate your medical care – where you live and who you are able to have contact with.
What are the benefits of an LPA?
Appointing an LPA is a smart call, especially if you’re looking to protect yourself for the future. Life changing incidents can occur at any time. By taking a sensible approach, you can be sure you’re prepared should the time come when you need to rely on someone else to make important decisions for you.
One obvious advantage is that you can leave your future affairs in the hands of someone you’ve picked yourself. This should give you the peace of mind that they will always act with your best interests at heart.
Without an LPA in place, the court will appoint a deputy for you. This takes the power out of your hands, which is something most people would prefer to avoid!
If an LPA has already been identified, there is minimal to no delay for them to come into effect. If you lose mental capacity without an LPA, it can take several months for the courts to appoint one. This could result in valuable time lost, as well as adding extra emotional stress and financial pressure on those closest to you.
The importance of appointing an LPA to manage your affairs should it ever become necessary, cannot be understated.
Still unsure? If you’re not fully convinced about whether you should appoint an LPA, our experienced team are on hand to answer any further questions and provide all the information you need.
Speak to us today
St Helens Law have been assisting people with power of attorney in St Helens for many years now, using our extensive knowledge to offer people the comfort and confidence they deserve.
To contact one of our team, simply call us on 01744 742360 or email us at info@sthelenslaw.co.uk to speak to us directly. You can also request a FREE 30 minute consultation with an expert by filling out our online enquiry form. We will always get back to you as soon as possible.