Power of Attorney

What is Power of Attorney and What Types are there?

General Power of Attorney (England & Wales)

• Granting a General Power of Attorney allows someone else (the  attorney) the authority to manage your affairs for a set period of time, for example, if you’re overseas for a couple of years.
• As General Power of Attorney becomes invalid if you become mentally incapable, it is not suitable for managing the affairs of ailing relatives – a lasting power of attorney should be used instead.

Lasting Power of Attorney – Health and Welfare

• If you are no longer able to look after your own health and welfare, i.e. – your social and health care needs, Lasting Power of Attorney – Health and Welfare (LPA-HW) will give that power to another person, or persons, called your ‘attorney’. Once the power comes into effect, your attorney(s) will have the authority to act on your behalf in matters relating to your health and welfare, subject to any restrictions you may place on them.
• Your attorney(s) will only be able to act when you lack the capacity to do so yourself, for example, if you are ill, unconscious or because of the onset of a condition such as dementia.

Lasting Power of Attorney – Property and Financial Affairs

• If you are no longer able to look after your own financial affairs, due to such factors as an illness, accident or the onset of dementia, a Lasting Power of Attorney – Property and Financial Affairs (LPA-PA) will give that power to an appointed attorney. Once the power comes into effect, your attorney(s) will have the authority to act on your behalf on property and financial matters.