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Wills, trusts and probate

Lasting power of attorney solicitors

Protect your future decisions with clear, practical legal support: the right LPAs, the right attorneys and the correct registration.

In short

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more attorneys to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot make them yourself in the future. There are two types: property and financial affairs, and health and welfare. Ansons Law's solicitors advise on which LPAs suit you and who to appoint, prepare the documents, guide you through signing and support registration with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Head of wills, probate and trusts
David Lane, Director
Two types of LPA
Property and financial affairs, and health and welfare
When to make one
Before you need it, while you have full mental capacity
Registration
With the Office of the Public Guardian

What is a lasting power of attorney?

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) lets you choose people you trust 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 the 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.

What are the two types of LPA?

  • Property and financial affairs. Covers things like bank accounts, bills, pensions, investments and buying or selling property.
  • Health and welfare. Covers decisions about medical treatment, care and where you live. It can only be used if you cannot make those decisions yourself.

Many people choose both, because they cover different areas. We can advise what is most suitable for your circumstances.

When should you make an LPA?

Make an LPA 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 or after a health diagnosis. Others do it simply to protect their family from delays if the unexpected happens.

Why does setting up an LPA matter?

It is about control, clarity and avoiding delay when decisions need to be made.

  • Choose who can act for you. Appoint people you trust, rather than leaving decisions to a process that may not reflect your preferences.
  • Protect your finances. Make it easier for someone you trust to handle bills and financial management if needed.
  • Support care and treatment decisions. Put the right decision makers in place for health and welfare matters.
  • Avoid delays and uncertainty. Without an LPA, families may face delays and additional steps to get authority to act.
  • Set instructions and preferences. Add clear guidance so your attorneys understand how you want decisions approached.
  • Peace of mind for everyone. Reassurance for you, and clarity for the people who may need to help you later.
Colleagues at work in the Ansons Law office in Lichfield
What we do

What a lasting power of attorney can cover

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
Step by step

How we set up your LPA

From the first conversation to registration with the Office of the Public Guardian.
  1. Advice

    We confirm which LPAs suit your situation, what each one covers and who to appoint as attorneys and replacement attorneys.

  2. Preparing the documents

    We prepare your LPAs, setting out any instructions and preferences and whether your attorneys make decisions jointly, separately or a mix.

  3. Signing

    We guide you through signing, witnessing and the certificate provider requirements, so the documents are completed correctly.

  4. Registration

    We support registration with the Office of the Public Guardian. Once registered, a property and financial affairs LPA can be used with your permission.

Questions

Questions about lasting powers of attorney

What is a lasting power of attorney?

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.

What is the difference between the two types of LPA?

A property and financial affairs LPA covers money and property. A health and welfare LPA covers care and medical decisions, and can only be used if you lack capacity to make the decision in question.

Do I need both LPAs?

Many people choose both, because they cover different areas. We can advise what is most suitable for your circumstances.

When can an LPA be used?

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.

Who can be an attorney?

An attorney must be over 18. They should be someone you trust to act in your best interests, such as a family member or close friend. In some situations a professional may be suitable.

What happens if I do not have an LPA and I lose capacity?

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.

Can you help if someone has already lost capacity?

Yes. We can advise where capacity has already been lost, including guidance on the Court of Protection.

Can you help register an LPA?

Yes. We prepare the documents and guide you through signing, then support registration with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Accreditations and awards

Talk to us about a lasting power of attorney

Tell us what you need and we will route your enquiry to the right person. A short conversation is often enough to confirm the right LPAs for your situation and the next step.

Offices

Our offices

Our wills, trusts and probate team works from our offices across the Midlands. Every office can take your enquiry.
Contact us