Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Plan ahead and protect what matters most

LPA services from £500 +VAT

Life doesn’t always go the way we expect. An illness, an accident, or even just the natural process of getting older can leave you in a position where you’re unable to make important decisions for yourself.

It’s not something any of us like to think about, but having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place means you’re prepared—whatever happens.

So, what is an LPA?

It’s a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. There are two types: one for Property and Financial Affairs, and another for Health and Welfare. Together, they ensure that your wishes are respected, and the people you care about can step in to help when you need them most.

But who needs an LPA?

Honestly, it’s not just for older people. Anyone can benefit from having one in place. Whether you’re in your 30s and planning ahead, or later in life and thinking about the future, an LPA gives you peace of mind that your affairs will be handled by someone you trust.

It’s about being prepared, no matter what life throws your way.

Your LPA in 4 Easy Steps

We’ve simplified the process of creating an LPA into four straightforward steps:

1. Initial Consultation

Book a consultation with one of our friendly solicitors. We’ll talk through your options and answer any questions you have.

2. Drafting Your LPA

Once we’ve discussed your needs, we’ll draft your LPA, making sure everything is clear and accurate.

3. Sign and Witness

When you’re happy with the draft, we’ll guide you through the signing process and make sure it’s all done properly.

4. We’ll Register It

Finally, we’ll handle the registration with the Office of the Public Guardian, so your LPA is legally valid and ready to use.

That’s it. No stress, no hassle – just peace of mind that everything’s sorted. And if you have any questions along the way, we’re always here to help.

Get in touch online

Fill in your details below and a member of our team will be in touch.

    ”The service and help we received was excellent and could not have been better. Thank you Rebecca for a great service and the care you showed.

    Mr Dennis
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    Ready to Secure Your Future?

    Don’t leave it until it’s too late. Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney now means you’re in control, no matter what happens. Whether you need help with a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, a Health and Welfare LPA, or both, we’re here for you.

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    Get to know

    the team

    Meet the team
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    Rebecca Stringfellow - Partner & Head of Department

    Rebecca joined Dootsons in 2014 as a Solicitor in the Newton le Willows branch office. She is a graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University and subsequently completed the Legal Practice Course Programme at the Manchester Law School. She was admitted as a Solicitor in 2007. Rebecca is also a Full Member of STEP – the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, and a Student Member of Solicitors for the Elderly. Rebecca became a Partner in May 2019.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why Act Now? Well, it’s easy to put off setting up an LPA, especially if you feel like you don’t need one yet. But the truth is, the best time to act is now—while you’re still in full control of your decisions.

    Life is unpredictable, and having an LPA in place means you’re prepared for whatever the future holds.

    Without an LPA, your loved ones could face significant challenges if they need to step in to help. For example, they might have to go through a lengthy and expensive court process to gain the authority to manage your affairs.

    By acting now, you can save them time, money, and unnecessary stress.

    A Lasting Power of Attorney comes in two forms, and each serves a different purpose. A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your chosen attorney to manage your money and property. This could include paying bills, managing bank accounts, or even selling your home if necessary.

    On the other hand, a Health and Welfare LPA covers personal decisions about your care. This might include where you live, what medical treatment you receive, or even decisions about life-sustaining treatment.

    The key difference is that a Health and Welfare LPA can only be used if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself, whereas a Property and Financial Affairs LPA can be used as soon as it’s registered, if you choose. Many people opt for both, as they work together to cover all aspects of your life.

    It depends on your circumstances, but having both types of LPA ensures that every aspect of your life is covered. A Property and Financial Affairs LPA is essential if you want someone to manage your finances, whether that’s paying your mortgage, accessing your savings, or dealing with investments.

    A Health and Welfare LPA, on the other hand, is crucial for decisions about your care and wellbeing. If you only have one type, there could be gaps in what your attorney is legally allowed to do.

    For example, without a Health and Welfare LPA, your family might not have a say in your medical treatment. Having both in place gives you complete peace of mind.

    Yes, absolutely. Having an LPA doesn’t mean you lose control over your decisions. It’s there as a safety net, ready to be used if you’re unable to make decisions yourself.

    For example, a Health and Welfare LPA only comes into effect if you lose the capacity to make decisions. With a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, you can choose whether it’s used immediately or only if you’re unable to manage your finances.

    Until that point, you remain in full control of your affairs.

    The process of setting up an LPA can take a few weeks, depending on how quickly the forms are completed and signed. Once the documents are ready, they need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, which can take up to 20 weeks. It’s important to plan ahead and not leave it until the last minute, as the registration process can’t be rushed.

    At Dootsons, we’ll guide you through the process and keep you updated every step of the way, so you know exactly what’s happening.

    While it’s possible to create an LPA yourself, there are significant risks involved. The forms are complex, and even a small mistake can render the document invalid. For example, if the signing and witnessing process isn’t done correctly, the LPA won’t be legally binding.

    There’s also the risk of not fully understanding the implications of the decisions you’re making. Without professional guidance, you might miss important details or fail to consider scenarios that could arise in the future.

    A DIY LPA might seem like a cheaper option, but if it’s done incorrectly, it could cost you and your family far more in the long run. Using a professional service ensures that your LPA is legally sound and tailored to your needs.

    Using a professional service ensures that your LPA is done right the first time. At Dootsons, we don’t just fill out forms—we take the time to understand your unique circumstances and provide tailored advice. This means your LPA will reflect your wishes and cover all the necessary details.

    A professional service also ensures that the legal requirements are met, from the signing and witnessing process to the registration with the Office of the Public Guardian. Mistakes in an LPA can cause significant problems down the line, so having an expert guide you through the process gives you peace of mind.

    It’s more than just ticking boxes - it’s about protecting your future and making sure your loved ones are supported when they need it most.