Lasting Powers of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney is an important legal document which allows another person (your Attorney) to make legal decisions and take financial or health and welfare decisions on your behalf.

For many, Lasting Powers of Attorney are just as important as a Will as they are effective during lifetime.

The Attorney can look after your affairs in the event that you are unable to make these decisions through loss of physical or mental capacity whether it be through an accident, illness or unable to make a decision for some other reason, for example during a period of absence abroad.

Your Attorney can look after you personal affairs during the short or long term.  You can also appoint more than one Attorney to assist you, or you can appoint a replacement Attorney.

Types of Power of Attorney

There are 2 types of Lasting Powers of Attorney:

  • Property and Financial Affairs – giving your Attorneys power to assist you wish your finances, for example to assist you with paying your bills and selling your home if it becomes necessary.
  • Health and Welfare – giving your Attorneys power to assist you with your medical decisions and day to day welfare decisions.

You might choose to just make one type of Lasting Power of Attorney, or both.