A Lasting Power of Attorney (Property & Affairs) is a document containing your written authority for a trusted person or persons, other than yourself to handle your money and property if you become incapable of doing so yourself.
Both General and ordinary Powers of Attorney have been put in place for a number of years. They allow a person to authorise someone else to act on their behalf, and manage their affairs.
In the event of you or your partner becoming incapacitated through accident or illness, you could find your affairs being handled by the Court of Protection Public Guardianship Office. This could even mean the freezing of your assets, including joint bank accounts and could even prevent the sale of your home. Ensuring a trusted person can manage your affairs, both financially and materially, at this time can be critical.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (Personal Welfare) is a document that allows you to choose someone to make decisions about your healthcare and welfare. This includes decisions to refuse or consent to treatment on your behalf and deciding where you live. These decisions can only be taken on your behalf when the LPA is registered and you lack the capacity to make the decisions yourself.
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