Lasting Powers of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney, The Property and Affairs LPA and The Personal Welfare LPA

Bromley Hyde & Robinson are very experienced in the preparation of Wills and Inheritance Tax planning. As a firm, we were involved in the new rules on Lasting Powers of Attorney (which have now replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney) and are therefore very knowledgeable in this field. The dedicated personnel in our specialist department are here to advise and assist:

• Anyone who wishes to make provision for their own old age when they may not have the ability to deal with their own affairs.

 • Anyone who simply wishes to make a Will, to ensure that their assets will pass to the beneficiaries of their choice.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal statement that anyone aged 18 or over can make, by a specialised procedure. It allows that person (called the Donor) to choose someone that they trust to make decisions on their behalf in the future, should they be unwilling or unable (e.g. through mental incapacity) to make decisions for themselves.

 The Property and Affairs LPA

This allows the Donor to appoint someone (called the Attorney) to manage their finances and property in the future. Decisions that an Attorney can make are, for example:

• Paying the Donor’s rent, mortgage, care home fees and household expenses

• Opening, closing or operating a bank account

• Claiming, receiving and utilizing all benefits, pensions and allowances

• Buying or selling property and ensuring the property is maintained

The Personal Welfare LPA

This allows the Donor to appoint an Attorney to make decisions on their behalf about their personal welfare. However it can only be used when the Donor lacks the capacity to make these decisions for themselves. Examples of the kind of decisions that the Attorney can make are:

• Where you should live and who you should live with

• Your day to day care, including diet and dress

• Who you may have contact with

• Consenting to, or refusing, a medical examination and treatment on your behalf

• Life sustaining treatment

• Rights of access to personal information about you

Wills

A lifetime is spent accumulating assets and only if you make a Will can you be sure that your estate will pass to the beneficiaries of your choice. In most cases it is essential that you make a Will to protect and direct the distribution of your assets.

Our Services

• We can act on your behalf to create a Property & Affairs LPA and/or a Personal Welfare LPA.

• We can assist you to make a Will to ensure that upon your demise, your estate is inherited according to your wishes.

• We can advise on all matters relating to Inheritance Tax Planning and Trusts.