When to use it, and when not to
Why it matters
A General Power of Attorney can only be used while the donor retains capacity. The moment capacity is lost, the authority ends automatically. It is useful for specific, short-term situations — signing a property transaction while abroad, delegating one defined decision — and useless as a substitute for an LPA.
How it works
The document names the attorney, states the scope of the authority (specific transaction or general), and is signed and witnessed. There is no registration process.
Who it suits
Anyone with a defined, short-term reason to delegate authority while capable of making decisions themselves. Never a substitute for an LPA where long-term protection is the goal.
What's involved
We draft the document tightly to the purpose, and — where appropriate — recommend an LPA alongside it so the longer-term risk is also covered.