Protect your future decisions with clear, practical legal support.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you choose trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you ever cannot manage things yourself. It is one of the most practical steps you can take to protect your finances and your welfare.
Our solicitors advise individuals and families across Staffordshire and the West Midlands on setting up LPAs correctly, with clear guidance on what each type covers, who to appoint, and how to avoid common mistakes. We prepare the documents, guide you through signing, and support registration with the Office of the Public Guardian.
Clear advice on the right LPA, the right attorneys, and the correct registration process.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA
Health and Welfare LPA
Choosing attorneys and replacement attorneys
Setting instructions and preferences
Decisions jointly, separately, or a mix
Safeguarding and capacity considerations
Correct signing, witnessing, and certificate provider requirements
Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian
Advice if capacity has already been lost, including Court of Protection guidance
The best time to make an LPA is before you need it, while you have full mental capacity and can make decisions calmly. Many people arrange an LPA when they are updating a will, after retirement, after a health diagnosis, or simply to protect their family from delays if the unexpected happens.
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA covers things like bank accounts, bills, pensions, investments, and buying or selling property. A Health and Welfare LPA covers decisions about medical treatment, care, and where you live, but it can only be used if you cannot make those decisions yourself.
It is about control, clarity, and avoiding delay when decisions need to be made.
Appoint trusted people, rather than leaving decisions to a process that may not reflect your preferences.
Make it easier for someone you trust to handle bills and financial management if needed.
Put the right decision makers in place for health and welfare matters.
Without an LPA, families may face delays and additional steps to get authority to act.
Add clear guidance so your attorneys understand how you want decisions approached.
Reassurance for you, and clarity for the people who may need to help you later.
A short conversation is often enough to confirm the right LPAs for your situation and the next step.
An LPA is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more attorneys to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot make them yourself in the future.
Property and Financial Affairs covers money and property. Health and Welfare covers care and medical decisions. Health and Welfare can only be used if you lack capacity to make the decision in question.
Many people choose both, because they cover different areas. We can advise what is most suitable for your circumstances.
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can be used with your permission once registered, and it can continue if you later lose capacity. A Health and Welfare LPA is used only if you cannot make the relevant decision yourself.
An attorney must be over 18. They should be someone you trust to act in your best interests, such as a family member, close friend, or a professional in some situations.
Your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy. This can take time and may be more costly than putting an LPA in place early.
Our Wills, Trusts & Probate team helps you plan for the future and deal with loss with clarity and care. From writing your Will and setting up trusts to administering estates and arranging Lasting Powers of Attorney, they provide calm, straightforward guidance focused on protecting you, your wishes and the people who matter most.