A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to do so. It is a crucial document that can help you plan for the future, protect your interests, and give you peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in good hands. In this article, we will discuss the importance of making an LPA in the UK, and how you can go about doing it.

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Why is making an LPA important?

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You can choose who makes decisions for you

One of the most significant advantages of making an LPA is that you get to choose who makes decisions for you. This can be a trusted family member, friend, or a professional such as a solicitor. By doing so, you ensure that someone you trust and who knows you well will make decisions that are in your best interests.

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It helps to protect your interests

An LPA can protect your interests if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. For example, if you become incapacitated due to illness or injury, your attorney can make decisions about your healthcare, welfare, and finances. Without an LPA, your family may have to go through a lengthy and costly legal process to be appointed as your decision-maker.

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It can reduce stress for your loved ones

If you do not have an LPA in place and you become unable to make decisions for yourself, your loved ones may have to make decisions on your behalf without knowing your wishes. This can be a stressful and emotional time, especially if there are disagreements within the family. By making an LPA, you can give clear instructions to your attorney about your wishes, which can help to reduce stress and avoid conflicts.

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It can save you money

Making an LPA is a relatively inexpensive process compared to the cost of going through the legal system to have someone appointed as your decision-maker. By making an LPA, you can save yourself and your family a significant amount of money in legal fees.

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How to make an LPA:

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Choose your attorney

The first step in making an LPA is to choose your attorney. This should be someone you trust and who knows you well. It is important to discuss your wishes with your attorney before making the LPA so that they understand your wishes and can make decisions in your best interests.

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Complete the LPA form

The next step is to complete the LPA form. This is a legal document that sets out your wishes and gives your attorney the authority to make decisions on your behalf. You can get the LPA form from the GOV.UK website or from a solicitor.

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Register the LPA

Once the LPA form is completed, it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The OPG is a government agency that oversees LPAs in the UK. There is a fee to register an LPA, which is currently £82 per LPA.

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Review your LPA regularly

It is important to review your LPA regularly to ensure that it still reflects your wishes. You can make changes to your LPA at any time, as long as you still have mental capacity.

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Conclusion:

Making a lasting power of attorney is an important decision that can help to protect your interests, reduce stress for your loved ones, and save you money. By choosing your attorney carefully, completing the LPA form, and registering it with the OPG, you can ensure that your wishes will be respected if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. We encourage you to take the time to make an LPA and to review it regularly to ensure that it still reflects your wishes.