Lasting Powers of Attorney Lawyers
Lasting Power of Attorney Lawyers in Manchester
Planning for the future brings peace of mind, especially when it comes to making sure your wishes are respected if you ever lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. At Isaacson & Partners, our experienced Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lawyers in Manchester help you put clear, robust arrangements in place so that your interests are always protected.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more trusted individuals-known as attorneys-to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity due to illness, injury, or age. With an LPA, you stay in control of who manages your affairs, rather than leaving it to the courts or professionals who may not know your wishes.
There are two types of LPAs:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA: This enables your attorney to manage your finances, such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, collecting benefits, or buying and selling property. You can choose for this to take effect immediately or only if you lose capacity.
- Health and Welfare LPA: This covers decisions about your daily care, medical treatment, living arrangements, and even life-sustaining treatment. This type only comes into effect if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
You can set up one or both types, depending on your needs and preferences.
Benefits of an LPA include:
- You choose who acts on your behalf
- Your wishes are respected, not left to chance
- Loved ones can make urgent decisions without delay
- You decide the extent of your attorney’s powers
- Peace of mind for you and your family
How Isaacson & Partners Can Help
Our LPA solicitors in Manchester provide clear, practical advice to make the process straightforward and stress-free. We help you:
- Understand the differences between the two types of LPA
- Choose suitable attorneys and guide you on what powers to grant
- Draft and tailor your LPA to reflect your wishes and circumstances
- Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly, reducing the risk of rejection by the Office of the Public Guardian
- Register your LPA so it is legally valid and ready to use if needed
- Advise on how to avoid family disputes and mitigate the risk of abuse or misunderstandings
We also offer guidance for families wishing to challenge or revoke an LPA, and can act as professional attorneys if required.
The LPA Process
- Initial Consultation: We discuss your needs, explain the options, and help you decide which type(s) of LPA are right for you.
- Drafting the LPA: We prepare the legal documents, tailored to your wishes and circumstances.
- Signing and Certification: You and your chosen attorneys sign the forms, and we act as your certificate provider to confirm you understand the implications.
- Registration: We submit your LPA to the Office of the Public Guardian and handle any queries, ensuring your LPA is valid and ready when needed.
- Ongoing Support: We provide certified copies and can advise your attorneys on their responsibilities.
Additional Services
Isaacson & Partners can also assist with related matters, including:
- Probate and estate administration
- Will writing and updating
- Advice on trusts and inheritance planning
FAQs About Lasting Power of Attorney
Q: Who can be my attorney?
Anyone over 18 can be your attorney, including family members, friends, or a professional such as a solicitor. It’s essential to choose someone you trust implicitly.
Q: When should I make an LPA?
You can only make an LPA while you have mental capacity, so it’s best to plan early-even if you’re young and healthy. Once registered, your LPA is ready whenever it’s needed.
Q: Can I have more than one attorney?
Yes, you can appoint multiple attorneys and specify whether they must act jointly or independently. This can help ensure continuity and prevent disputes.
Q: Can an LPA be changed or revoked?
As long as you have mental capacity, you can revoke or change your LPA at any time. We can assist with preparing the necessary legal documents if your wishes change.
Q: What happens if I don’t have an LPA?
If you lose capacity without an LPA, your loved ones must apply to the Court of Protection for authority to manage your affairs, which is costly, time-consuming, and may not reflect your wishes.
Contact Our Lasting Power of Attorney Lawyers in Manchester
At Isaacson & Partners, we are dedicated to helping you plan for the future with confidence. Our experienced LPA lawyers in Manchester provide clear, compassionate advice and handle every step of the process with care.
Call our Head Office on 0161 959 5000 today or use our online enquiry form to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect your interests and give your loved ones peace of mind.