Lasting Power of Attorney from GTT Make a Will

What you should know about Lasting Power of Attorney

An LPA is a legal document that enables a person’s trusted representative(s) – known as Attorney’s – to oversee their finances and welfare. Dealing with money and welfare matters in old age or ill health can be difficult and worrying – perhaps even impossible. Although you may nominate a deputy to handle your affairs, this can be a lengthy and costly process. The simplest solution is for you (the Donor) to appoint one or more Attorneys to manage your affairs on your behalf if you become unable to do so.

Who might need an LPA

Most of us will be fortunate enough to live long lives, but we may not always be able to manage our own affairs. If you were to suffer significant physical or mental incapacity, an LPA could make your life much easier and less stressful for you and your loved ones, as well as protecting your interests. An LPA is a little like an insurance policy: You hope you’ll never need it, but if you do – its invaluable.

How to make an LPA

The LPA is an official form that must be completed and signed by the Donor and Attorneys in the presence of a witness. It also needs to be certified and must be registered with the court before it can be used. Your GTT Make a Will consultant can guide you through the whole process simply and swiftly.

What if I want to cancel the LPA

Provided you are still mentally capable, you can revoke the LPA. Once the LPA is registered with the Court of Protection however, you would need medical evidence and the Court’s permission to revoke the LPA

A Case Study

Frank Weston’s life changed in a hundred ways when his elderly mother, Grace, suffered a major stroke. Unable to walk or communicate, she needed full time care after leaving hospital. Frank was left not only with the problem of caring for her as best he could, but left also with managing her affairs.

Frank and Grace had always assumed that he’d be able to look after her finances if she became unable to do so herself. Now, however she was deemed to be mentally incapable and therefore a Lasting Power of Attorney could not be sought. Frank had applied to the Office of the Public Guardian for the only alternative – appointment as a Deputy. The process was lengthy and time consuming and meant that her money was untouchable for months, despite all the funds needed for her care, transport, medical expenses and support. Eventually, Frank was appointed as Deputy for which he had to pay on application fee and ongoing annual fees. After that, Frank had to suffer the indignity of regular statuary checks to prove that he was looking after his mother appropriately.

“If only we’d arranged an LPA when she was healthy”, said Frank, all this distress, expense and worry could have been avoided. Since this happened I’ve made sure I’m covered by and LPA so if the worst happens to me, no-one else in my family will have to go through what Mum an I have endured.

Your Will, as well as other important documents, can be stored in our secure storage facility for safe keeping until they are needed.

Once we understand how your estate is to be managed we will be able to give you a quotation for completing your documents. If you decide to go ahead we will then produce your documents and send them to you for you to sign and return to us at your convenience.

Remember it's never too early to make a will or LPA. Just don’t leave it too late.

What to do next? Click here for expert advice, and then relax.

GTT Make a Will are experts at taking care of families.