What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (‘LPA’) is a document which appoints one or more people to make certain decisions on behalf of the person who made the LPA (‘the Donor’) if they become unable to make decisions.

There are two types of LPA documents. You can make an LPA for decisions relating to your property and finances, or for decisions relating to your health and welfare. A property and finances LPA grants the Attorney(s) authority access, to control your assets such as property, bank accounts, and investments. A financial LPA can be used (with you, the ‘Donor’s’ consent) even if you have not lost mental capacity to make your own decisions.