Lasting Power of Attorney
Lasting Power of Attorney experts for Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and across all Dorset. Congratulations on taking your first steps towards appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
The cost of getting this wrong
Capacity doesn't give warning. By the time a family realises an LPA is needed, it is almost always too late to put one in place.
Without a registered LPA, no one - not your spouse, not your adult children, not a long-standing accountant - can legally manage your finances or healthcare decisions on your behalf. The bank freezes the account. The investment platform locks the portfolio. The care provider waits.
What follows is an application to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order. It typically takes six to twelve months, costs thousands in fees, and results in a stranger appointed by the court making decisions about your money, your home and your medical care. Annual reports follow. So does ongoing supervision.
An LPA takes weeks to register and a few hundred pounds to put in place. The version of this story where you don't have one is the version that ruins families.
Why Is a Lasting Power of Attorney So Important?
Gives you total control over who looks after your affairs in the event that you are no longer able to due to mental or physical incapacity.
Mental or physical incapacity can happen at any age and with no warning. LPAs ensure your affairs are taken care of in these challenging circumstances.
Takes the burden off your relatives because they do not have to wait for a court appointment.
What Happens If You Don't Have a Lasting Power of Attorney?
The court will appoint a deputy for you. Who the court appoints is totally out of your and your loved one's control.
The deputy is now in a position to make decisions that affect your entire estate that your loved ones may not agree with.
How Can Inheritance Made Simple Help?
Our team of specialist consultants will help guide you through the process of setting up your Lasting Power of Attorney. We pride ourselves on being exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, and cost effective, whilst still providing a quick turn-around time.
Complete the Discovery first - then we'll book your free 30-minute consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two types of Lasting Power of Attorney?
There are two: a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, which covers money, bills, investments and property; and a Health and Welfare LPA, which covers medical treatment and care decisions. Most people put both in place at the same time.
When does a Lasting Power of Attorney take effect?
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can be used as soon as it is registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, with your permission. A Health and Welfare LPA only takes effect if you lose mental capacity. Both must be registered before they can be used.
What happens if I lose capacity without an LPA?
Your family must apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order. This usually takes six to twelve months, costs thousands in fees, and the court - not your family - chooses the deputy. Bank accounts, investments and care decisions sit frozen in the meantime.
How long does it take to register an LPA?
Drafting and signing typically take a couple of weeks. Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian currently takes around 16–20 weeks. We handle the paperwork and submission end to end.
Can I cancel or change my LPA later?
Yes. While you have mental capacity, you can revoke or replace an LPA at any time. We recommend reviewing your appointed attorneys whenever family or financial circumstances change.
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The path is simple: complete the Discovery first so we walk into the call already knowing the facts. Then in 30 focused minutes, I listen, answer your questions, and you choose if you'd like us to draw up your Inheritance Plan.
1. Start Your Discovery
Required first step. Complete the confidential financial position review so your no-obligation 30-minute consultation starts with the facts, not the basics.
2. Request a Callback
Prefer to speak first? Leave your details and we'll call you back to talk through the Discovery before you complete it.
You choose the date, time, and format - phone or online. Bring anyone you'd like.