LPA offer a vital layer of protection – we can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it

Lasting Powers of Attorney aren’t just legal documents, they are instruments of empowerment and protection. By creating and registering one, you are helping and protecting yourselves, as well as your loved ones. 

In life, when I mention my area of work, I’m often told, ‘but I’m too young to have an LPA’ or ‘I’m not planning to lose my marbles just yet’.

We have the luxury to plan for the expected, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. However, why are we also not planning for the unexpected?

A brain injury for example can occur at any time, without warning, a stroke, fall, car collision, tumour or assault.

Now is the time to plan…

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) empower you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity.

There are two types of LPA, Health and Welfare, which cover medical care and personal welfare decisions, and Property and Financial Affairs, which handle finances and property matters.

By creating and registering an LPA, you keep control over your life decisions. Without one, your loved ones may face lengthy legal processes, such as applying to the court for deputyship, which can be costly and can be distressing.

LPAs are there to safeguard your interests however they also ease the burden on your family during challenging times. Appointing a trusted person to act on your behalf ensures that your wishes are respected, and decisions are made in your best interests. It also may prevent disputes and ensures continuity in managing of the affairs.

Life’s uncertainties can be daunting, however having an LPA in place offers reassurance and offers a vital layer of protection.