Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people known as your attorneys to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime.
It’s separate from your will, but many people choose to set up an LPA at the same time as making their will, as part of planning for the future.
DETAILS
What does an LPA cover?
There are two types of LPA:
- Health and Welfare LPA – lets your attorney make decisions about your medical treatment and daily care. This can include where you live, what you eat, the care you receive, and who you see.
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA – gives your attorney the authority to manage your money and property, such as paying bills, collecting pensions or benefits, and even selling your home if needed.
GUIDE
Lasting Power of Attorney Details
How much does a Lasting Power of Attorney Cost?
At Daniel Woodman & Co, we offer a fully advised LPA service:
- Single LPA – from £540 (including VAT)
- Mirror LPAs for two people – from £405 per person (including VAT)
These prices include full support and advice from a legal specialist. Once we’ve provided a written quote for the agreed work, that price will not change.
What’s Included in Our Fully Advised LPA Service?
If you want complete support and guidance, our fully advised service is the right option for you. It includes:
- A 1-to-1 appointment with our experienced Solicitors (in person, by phone, or video);
- Clear legal advice tailored to your needs;
- Drafting of your LPA, including bespoke clauses if required; and
- Registration of your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.
Creating an LPA ensures your wishes are respected, and that someone you trust can act on your behalf if needed. To speak to one of our experienced solicitors, call us on 0117 967 9800 or email info@danielwoodman.co.uk.
How Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Work?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose the ability to do so yourself whether due to illness, injury, or mental incapacity. Once your LPA is in place, your chosen attorney can step in straight away when needed to make decisions relating to your health, care, or finances. You remain in control of the process by choosing someone who understands your values and priorities.
Without an LPA, your loved ones may need to apply for a deputyship order through the Court of Protection if you lost capacity. This is a costly, complex and time-consuming legal process that can create significant delays at a critical time. By setting up an LPA now, you gain peace of mind that your affairs will be managed in the way you intended, by someone you know and trust.
When should an LPA Be Made?
An LPA can only be made while you have mental capacity that is, while you understand the nature and consequences of the document. Once capacity is lost, it is too late to put an LPA in place. Planning ahead ensures you’re covered no matter what happens in the future.
Who Needs a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Anyone can lose capacity illness or accidents can happen at any time, to anyone. Note: What happen if you do not have a LPA:
- No one has the automatic legal right to manage your finances or make decisions about your care
- The court may appoint someone you wouldn’t have chosen to manage your affairs
- Your loved ones may face delays and legal costs during an already difficult time
An LPA gives you the chance to choose someone you trust to act in your best interests, legally and practically.
Why use a Solicitor for Your Lasting Power of Attorney?
An LPA is a powerful legal document, and it’s easier than many people realise to make costly mistakes. A poorly drafted LPA may:
- Be rejected by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
- Contain clauses that are unclear or legally invalid
- Leave your attorneys uncertain about their responsibilities or powers
Using a solicitor helps ensure your LPA is valid, legally robust, and tailored to your circumstances protecting both you and your chosen attorneys.
Our Fully Advised LPA Service Includes:
At Daniel Woodman & Co, we offer a fully advised, solicitor-led service that includes:
- A 1-to-1 appointment with an Experienced Solicitors in person or by phone/video
- Advice on the different types of LPA and which is right for you
- Guidance on choosing attorneys and replacement attorneys
- Advice on certificate providers and legal signing formalities
- Help with wording preferences or instructions to guide your attorneys
- Drafting the LPA in line with your wishes
- Sending the LPA with step-by-step instructions for signing
- Checking the LPA has been signed in the correct order
- Submitting the LPA to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
- Managing all correspondence with the OPG
- Dealing with any challenges or requisitions
- Returning the registered, bound LPA to you for safekeeping
The Risks of DIY LPAs
Many problems arise when people attempt to create their own LPA without legal guidance. Common issues include:
- Incorrectly appointing multiple attorneys;
- Invalid or unclear instructions that create legal uncertainty;
- Failing to appoint replacement attorneys;
- Wording errors that could invalidate the entire LPA.
In more serious cases, your chosen attorney may unknowingly breach their duties risking court action or investigation by the Office of the Public Guardian.
The Role of the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
The OPG regulates LPAs and investigates concerns where attorneys are believed to be acting improperly. If they find that an attorney is not acting in the best interests of the donor, the OPG can:
- Launch a formal investigation
- Remove or restrict the attorney’s authority
- Refer matters to the Court of Protection
Properly prepared LPAs reduce the risk of issues arising and help your attorney act with confidence and clarity.
Get in touch today
Need help setting up your LPA? Our expert solicitors are here to support you every step of the way.
Call us on 0117 967 9800 or email info@danielwoodman.co.uk
