Choosing the right person/people to be your attorney for your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial decision.
Understanding the key LPA attorney duties can help you make a more informed decision.
Who can be an LPA attorney?
To be an LPA attorney, the individual must meet the relevant legal criteria:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Possessing mental capacity
- Not be bankrupt or subject to a debt relief order (for financial LPAs)
Common examples of LPA attorneys
In the UK, it’s common for LPA donors to appoint an attorney who is:
- A spouse or partner
- An adult child
- A close friend or relative
- A relevant professional, such as a solicitor, accountant, or doctor, if they do not have family or friends who are able or willing to act
The duties and responsibilities of an LPA attorney
Most importantly, the person (or people) you appoint as LPA attorney must be trustworthy because they’ll be making important decisions on your behalf, should you ever lose mental capacity to do so yourself.
The main LPA attorney duties and responsibilities include:
- Acting in the donor’s (the person who instructed the document) best interests
- Carry out LPA instructions as outlined
However, these duties also vary depending on the type of LPA the attorney is appointed to manage.
Some of the key LPA attorney duties for the different LPAs are outlined below.
Health and Welfare LPA
A Health and Welfare LPA attorney makes decisions about the donor’s:
- Daily routine and personal care
- Medical treatment, including life‑sustaining treatment (if they choose to give this authority)
- Care arrangements and where they live
Financial and Property Affairs LPA
A Financial and Property Affairs LPA attorney makes decisions about the donor’s:
- Money and bank accounts
- Bills and everyday financial commitments
- Savings, investments, and pensions
- Property, including buying or selling the donor’s home
Appoint the most suitable attorney/s for your LPA
Choosing a suitable attorney for your LPA can be challenging – especially if you have complex family dynamics.
This is where Honey Legal’s SRA-regulated solicitors can help.
We have extensive experience navigating the legalities of estate planning, helping over 100,000 families across England and Wales to secure peace of mind through clear and comprehensive LPAs.
Our friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful approach has earned us thousands of 5-star Trustpilot reviews – a testament to the support we provide every LPA donor.
To arrange a free consultation in the comfort of your home (alongside family members whom you may want to appoint as an LPA attorney), simply reach out to us today.
📞 Call us on 0800 9 500 100
📧 Email us at enquiries@honeylegal.co.uk
To learn more about legal the intricacies of LPA’s, why not explore our helpful FAQs page?
For any additional information contact Honey by calling us on 0800 9500 700 to arrange a free, no obligation initial consultation at a time convenient to you and your loved ones, in the comfort of your own home.
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