Every adult has the right to manage his or her own money and affairs. Many people worry that at some time, either through accident, age or illness they will become unable to look after financial and welfare matters for themselves. At Brights we encourage all our clients, whatever their age to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
LPAs are legal documents by which you can appoint one or more people, whom you trust, to make certain decisions for you. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:
Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Finances: this allows your attorney to deal with your property and finances as you specify.
Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare: this allows your attorney to make welfare and health care decisions on your behalf, but only in circumstances when you lack the mental capacity to do so yourself.
Both types of LPA have to be registered at the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.
Consulting a solicitor is the best way to make sure any Lasting Power of Attorney is set up and registered, and that it is in the best interests of the person giving the power. We can assist you and provide advice on:
- General Power of Attorney
- Lasting Power of Attorney – Property and Finances
- Lasting Power of Attorney – Welfare
- Appointeeship
- Existing Enduring Powers of Attorney
LPA's have replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA). However any EPA validly made before 01 October 2007, can still be used but only in respect of your property and finances. If you wish to give authority over your health or welfare you will need to make a Health and Welfare LPA.
We offer home visits. All our offices have disabled access and free car parking.
Get in touch with our power of attorney solicitors in Essex
To have an initial discussion about how we can help with your power of attorney, please contact your local Brights office in Maldon, Witham, Tiptree and Danbury or make an enquiry and we will get back to you promptly.