Salisbury Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors – Local Specialists
Many people assume that their husband, wife, partner or children would automatically be able to manage their affairs if they became unable to make decisions themselves. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so in the future. At Bonallack & Bishop, our Salisbury Lasting Power of Attorney solicitors provide straightforward advice to help clients put LPAs in place clearly and correctly.
We advise clients in Salisbury, across Wiltshire and throughout England and Wales.
Thinking of making a Lasting Power of Attorney? Call our team on Salisbury 01722 422300 for FREE initial phone advice – with absolutely no strings attached.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document which allows you to appoint one or more people, known as attorneys, to make decisions for you if needed in the future.
There are two main types of LPA:
- Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney
- Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney
Many people choose to put both types in place at the same time.
Property and Financial Affairs LPAs
This type of LPA allows your attorneys to deal with financial matters on your behalf.
This may include:
- Managing bank accounts
- Paying bills
- Dealing with pensions
- Selling or managing property
- Handling investments
- Dealing with utility companies and financial institutions
In some situations, this type of LPA can also be used with your permission while you still have mental capacity, for example if you become physically unwell or find managing finances more difficult.
Health and Welfare LPAs
A Health and Welfare LPA allows your attorneys to make decisions relating to your personal welfare if you become unable to make those decisions yourself.
This may include decisions about:
- Medical treatment
- Care arrangements
- Where you live
- Daily care needs
- Life-sustaining treatment decisions
These powers only apply if you no longer have the mental capacity to make decisions yourself.
Why Is an LPA Important?
Without a valid LPA, your family may face significant difficulties if you lose mental capacity through illness, accident or conditions such as dementia.
In those circumstances, relatives may need to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to manage your affairs. This process can be lengthy, stressful and expensive.
Putting LPAs in place early can help provide certainty and reassurance for both you and your family.
Choosing Your Attorney
One of the most important decisions is choosing who will act as your attorney.
Many people appoint:
- Husbands or wives
- Partners
- Adult children
- Close relatives
- Trusted friends
It is important to appoint people you trust to act responsibly and in your best interests.
Our solicitors can advise on the practical issues involved in choosing attorneys and structuring the LPA correctly.
Local Salisbury LPA Solicitors
Many clients prefer discussing these important matters face to face with a local solicitor.
Bonallack & Bishop’s Salisbury office offers:
- Face-to-face appointments
- Home visits in some circumstances
- Telephone appointments
- Video meetings
We aim to explain matters clearly and make the process straightforward and manageable.
LPAs for Older Clients
Many people put LPAs in place later in life as part of wider estate planning. However, LPAs are not only for elderly people.
Unexpected illness or accidents can affect anyone at any age. Increasingly, younger clients are also recognising the importance of having LPAs in place as part of sensible future planning.
LPAs for Business Owners
Lasting Powers of Attorney can be particularly important for business owners, company directors and self-employed individuals. If a business owner loses mental capacity unexpectedly, serious practical problems can arise regarding access to business bank accounts, signing contracts, dealing with suppliers or making day-to-day financial decisions.
Putting appropriate LPAs in place can help ensure that trusted individuals are able to deal with urgent financial and business matters if required, helping to protect both the business and the people who depend upon it.
In short, an LPA is absolutely essential if you own and run your own business.
LPAs for Couples and Families
Many couples choose to prepare LPAs at the same time. This can help ensure that:
- Each person has trusted decision-makers in place
- Financial matters can continue to be managed smoothly
- Families avoid unnecessary complications later
Our solicitors regularly assist couples and families in preparing LPAs together in a practical and cost-effective way.
Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney
An LPA must be registered before it can be used.
The registration process involves submitting the documents to the Office of the Public Guardian.
Mistakes in preparing LPAs can sometimes lead to delays or rejection of the application. Our solicitors can help ensure the documents are prepared and registered correctly.
Lasting Power of Attorney and Wills
Many clients arrange LPAs alongside updating or preparing their wills.
Together, wills and LPAs form an important part of future planning.
A will deals with what happens after death, while an LPA helps protect you during your lifetime if you lose capacity.
Speak to Our Salisbury Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors
If you would like advice about preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney, our experienced private client team is here to help.
Bonallack & Bishop’s Salisbury Lasting Power of Attorney solicitors advise clients across Salisbury, Wiltshire and surrounding areas.
Contact our team on Salisbury 01722 422300 today to arrange your appointment.
