There are many benefits to having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, whilst also providing peace of mind, control, and removes the need for court involvement.
There are many benefits to having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, whilst also providing peace of mind, control, and removes the need for court involvement. It’s important to have an LPA to ensure that your wishes are followed if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself.
By having an LPA, you have the power to choose a trusted person who will make decisions on your behalf, ensuring that your wishes and preferences are honoured even when you cannot express them. This gives you the opportunity to choose someone who truly understands you, your values, and your priorities, and who is both willing and capable of acting in your best interests.
When selecting your attorney, you can also take into consideration the dynamics within your family. There may be certain family members who are better suited for specific roles based on their skills, availability, or relationship with you. By carefully choosing your attorney, you can navigate these dynamics and ensure that the person who is most capable of supporting you is given the authority to do so.
Deciding when your LPA comes into effect allows you to plan for the future and make choices while you’re still able to. With an LPA, you get to decide exactly when it comes into force. It could start right away, or you could specify that it only takes effect if you lose mental capacity.
Some people might be concerned about giving up control by setting up an LPA. By stating that it only comes into play when you’re unable to make decisions, you can hold onto your independence and decision-making power for as long as possible.
Additionally, setting the timing for when your LPA takes effect can help relieve your family from the stress of making decisions on your behalf during difficult times, as your appointed attorney will already have the required power.
With a Lasting Power of Attorney, you have the freedom to outline the specific decisions you want your attorney to make on your behalf. By selecting which powers to grant, you can guarantee that your attorney only intervenes in areas where you are comfortable granting authority. You also have the option to establish separate LPAs for different aspects, like finances and healthcare, and appoint different attorneys for each if desired.
If you have specific concerns or priorities you wish to address through your LPA, such as incorporating your religious or cultural beliefs into healthcare choices, or placing restrictions on certain financial investments, you can do so.
Defining the decisions you want to be made provides clarity and guidance for your attorney, alongside other parties involved in your care. This helps ensure that your wishes are followed accurately and consistently, minimising the potential for misunderstandings or disputes.
Having an LPA allows you to provide clear instructions on how you want important decisions to be made.
With a Health and Welfare LPA, you can outline your medical care preferences and end-of-life wishes, ensuring that your values are respected even if you can’t communicate them directly.
Meanwhile, a Property and Financial Affairs LPA lets you specify how you want your finances handled, from investment strategies to charitable contributions, aligning your financial affairs with your goals and values.
The peace of mind that comes with having an LPA in place is invaluable. By establishing an LPA, you are ensuring that a trusted individual will have the authority to make decisions on your behalf. This enables you to plan for various situations and clearly express your preferences regarding healthcare, finances, and other crucial matters.
Without an LPA, your loved ones may need to apply to the court for protection to make decisions on your behalf, which can be a lengthy, costly, and emotionally draining process.
However, with an LPA in place, you can bypass the need for court intervention altogether. Knowing that you have a well-thought-out plan tailored to your wishes provides peace of mind, not only for yourself but also for your loved ones.
At GSB, we understand the importance of having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, so that you are not leaving important decisions up to chance.
Our team of Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors have the expertise to draft and register a Lasting Power of Attorney to ensure that your interests are protected and your wishes are honoured. Additionally, we are also able to serve as an attorney for individuals seeking to appoint a trusted representative.
For more information on our LPA services and how we can help you, please contact us today.
