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Why You Should Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Now: Protect Your Future 

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Categories: Wills and probate
Date published: 29/11/2024

Speak to a member of our specialist international team of UK International Probate lawyers today on 0330 107 0107.

Life is full of uncertainties. While we all hope to stay in good health and manage our own affairs indefinitely, illness, accidents, or a decline in mental capacity can make that impossible. If something happened to you tomorrow, who would make important decisions about your healthcare, finances, or daily living needs? This is where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) becomes essential. 

An LPA allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re no longer able to. Unfortunately, many people until it’s too late to consider this crucial legal protection. Without an LPA in place, even your closest family members may struggle to help you with financial or health-related decisions, leading to unnecessary stress and delays in accessing your finances or dealing with your care. 

Why Making an LPA Is Crucial 

1. You Stay in Control 

By setting up an LPA, you decide who will oversee your affairs if you’re unable to act for yourself. Whether it’s about managing your finances or making healthcare choices, an LPA ensures that the person you trust most will make decisions in line with your wishes. 

2. Avoid Legal Hassle for Your Family 

If you lose mental capacity without an LPA in place, your loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection for permission to manage your affairs. This can be a slow, costly, and stressful process. In contrast, an LPA is easier to set up and gives your family immediate authority to act when needed. 

3. Tailored to Your Needs 

There are two types of LPAs: 

  • A Health and Welfare LPA, which covers decisions like your medical treatment, care, and where you live. 
  • A Property and Financial Affairs LPA, which handles your bank accounts, paying bills, and any property-related matters. 

You can create either or both, depending on your needs, although, it is recommended that you make both types of LPA to ensure your future is fully protected. 

4. Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones  

With an LPA in place, you and your family can rest easy knowing that your affairs will be managed by someone you trust. This removes a significant burden during difficult times, allowing your loved ones to focus on supporting you rather than dealing with legal barriers. 

The Best Time to Set Up an LPA? Now 

It is a common misconception that LPAs are only necessary for the elderly or those with existing health problems. However, an LPA should be created while you are still in good health and capable of making decisions. Waiting until it’s too late can result in complicated legal battles that add unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation. 

Rezwana Dithy, a Private Client Solicitor, at IMD Solicitors can help you set up and register your LPAs. 

We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring that your LPAs are tailored to your wishes and correctly set up. Contact us today to safeguard your decisions and give your family peace of mind. 

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.

To find out more about our services, visit International Probate section of our website.

Call us now to discuss your case 0330 107 0107 or email us at info@imd.co.uk.

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Published by:

Rezwana Dithy - Solicitor

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