What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

An LPA is a type of Power of Attorney designed to remain valid even if you lose mental capacity. It allows you to appoint someone (your attorney) to make decisions about your finances, health, or both.

Unlike an Ordinary Power of Attorney, which is only valid while you have mental capacity, an LPA is future-proof. This makes it an essential part of planning for the unexpected.

Get Started Today – Let Sort My Life guide you through the process.

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Types of Lasting Power of Attorney

There are two main types of LPAs, and you can create one or both depending on your needs:

1. Health and Welfare LPA

• What It Covers:
  • Medical treatment decisions.
  • Decisions about care homes and daily routines.
• When It Applies:
  • Only when you can no longer make decisions yourself.
• Example: Choosing the type of medical treatment you receive if incapacitated.

2. Property and Financial Affairs LPA

• What It Covers:
  • Managing bank accounts, paying bills, or selling property.
• When It Applies:
  • Can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission.
• Example: Allowing your attorney to handle your finances if you’re traveling abroad.

Not sure which one you need? Our What Is Power of Attorney? guide provides a broader overview.

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Why Do You Need a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Life is unpredictable, and an LPA ensures your wishes are followed, no matter what happens. Here’s why it’s essential:

• Avoid Court-Ordered Decisions: Without an LPA, your family may need to go to court to make decisions on your behalf.
• Stay in Control: Specify exactly what decisions your attorney can and cannot make.
• Peace of Mind: Know that your affairs are in trusted hands.

Simplify Your LPA Setup with Sort My Life – We make it easy to plan ahead.

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How to Create a Lasting Power of Attorney

Creating an LPA involves several steps, but Sort My Life streamlines the process for you. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Attorney(s):

   • Pick one or more trusted individuals.
   • Specify whether they must act together or independently.

2. Define the Scope of Authority:

   • Decide which type(s) of LPA you need.
   • Clearly outline any restrictions or preferences.

3. Complete the Forms:

   • Use the official forms from the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
   • Or let Sort My Life handle it for you.

4. Sign and Witness:

   • Sign the forms and ensure all signatures are properly witnessed.

5. Register the LPA:

   • Submit the forms to the OPG along with the £82 registration fee.

Get Started Today – Let Sort My Life handle the forms and registration for you.

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FAQs About Lasting Power of Attorney

Do I Need Both Types of LPA?

Not necessarily. Many people start with a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, but a Health and Welfare LPA is equally important for future care decisions.

How Long Does It Take to Register an LPA?

It typically takes 8-10 weeks for the OPG to process and register an LPA.

Can I Change My LPA?

Yes, as long as you have mental capacity, you can revoke or update your LPA at any time.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Registering the LPA Early: An unregistered LPA cannot be used.
• Choosing the Wrong Attorney: Select someone you trust who is capable of handling the responsibility.
• Incomplete Forms: Errors or missing signatures can delay the process.

Let Sort My Life Help You Avoid These Mistakes – Our streamlined process ensures everything is done correctly.

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Why Choose Sort My Life?

At Sort My Life, we take the complexity out of creating a Lasting Power of Attorney:

• Simple Questions: No legal jargon—just answer a few prompts.
• Error-Free Forms: We generate and check your forms for accuracy.
• Fast Registration: We guide you through the OPG submission process.
• Secure Storage: Your LPA documents are automatically saved and organized.

Sign Up Now – Join thousands who trust Sort My Life to handle their important paperwork.