LPA does it work

• LPAs must be set up while you still have mental capacity. Once capacity is lost, it is too late to create one.

• An LPA allows you to choose who will act on your behalf – this person is called your Attorney.

If you appoint more than one, you can decide whether they act jointly or separately.

• Choose the type of LPA you need:

• Property & Financial Affairs LPA – for decisions about money, bills, property, and investments.

• Health & Welfare LPA – for decisions about your medical treatment, care, and daily routines.

• You can choose to set up one or both.

• Decide when your LPA should take effect:

• A Property & Financial LPA can be used as soon as it’s registered, or only if you lose capacity.

• A Health & Welfare LPA can only be used after you’ve lost mental capacity.

• Register your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.

This ensures it is legally valid and ready to use when needed.

William is in a car accident and loses mental capacity. He has no LPA in place.

• His next of kin have no automatic legal right to make decisions.

• They must apply to the Court of Protection, which is time-consuming and expensive.

• Bank accounts (including joint accounts) may be frozen.

• Bills can’t be paid, and previous authority for financial transactions is void.

• Investments can’t be managed.

• Property can’t be sold, which could leave a partner unable to move or manage shared assets.

• His family cannot make medical or care decisions on his behalf.

William has both Property & Financial and Health & Welfare LPAs.

• His chosen Attorneys can step in immediately, without legal delays.

• The bank recognises their authority – no accounts are frozen.

• Bills are paid, investments managed, and financial affairs continue smoothly.

• Property can be sold if needed – Attorneys handle all paperwork.

• Under the Health & Welfare LPA, Attorneys can make decisions about medical treatment, care, and living arrangements.