What Types of LPA Are Available?

With any kind of Lasting Power of Attorney, you’re assigning a solicitor, family member, or a combination of both to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity to do so. There are two main types of LPA, however, which focus on different areas of your life:

Property & Finance: These LPAs cover your finances, and allow a solicitor/family member/both to manage bank accounts, pay bills, and buy or sell property on your behalf

Health & Welfare: These LPAs cover your general quality of life, and allow a solicitor/family member/both to make decisions about your care

It’s a good idea to draft both types of LPA, if you currently have neither. A Property & Finance LPA doesn’t cross over with a Health & Welfare LPA (and vice versa), meaning that your nominated representative won’t be able to assist with one area just because they’ve been named in the other.

Why Choose Sparlings Solicitors as Your LPA Solicitors?

Making sure that your Lasting Power of Attorney is correctly drafted can save a lot of stress down the line. You don’t want to be wondering whether you’re protected, and you definitely don’t want to leave the anxieties to your family if you begin to lose mental capacity.

Our LPA solicitors take time to understand your circumstances and talk you through the process in simple terms, so that you understand everything that’s being included. As a result, our clients choose us to help them through this period due to:

Strong local presence: We handle all LPA drafting from our Essex office, and have deep connections within the local area as a truly local, reliable law firm

Friendly and approachable team: Estate planning in general can feel intimidating and confusing. Our LPA solicitors will always explain everything in a jargon-free way, so that you're not left uncertain throughout the process

Clear and transparent pricing: We offer fixed-fee pricing for drafting an LPA, so you won’t have any nasty surprises or unexpected fees

Outstanding client reviews: With more than 300+ positive client reviews, you can rest assured that you’re working with the best local solicitors for Lasting Powers of Attorney available

How Do You Register a Lasting Power of Attorney?

The process of registering your Lasting Power of Attorney is very straightforward, and we’ll talk you through each stage so that you have full awareness of what’s happening next. Although each LPA is highly tailored to the individual, registering your document looks something like this:

1. Consultation

First, you’ll meet with our LPA solicitors and talk through the kind of LPA that you would like, and what it needs to include. This initial consultation can take place at any of our offices (Colchester, Manningtree or Frinton) or we can conduct this virtually to suit your schedule.

2. Nominating Your Attorney

Next, you’ll need to decide who you’re appointing as your attorney. This will typically be your solicitor, but you can also choose to nominate family members or trusted friends. It’s also possible to appoint multiple individuals, and we can walk you through what this means if it comes time to activate the document.

3. Prepare The LPA

Once your attorney has been decided, we'll work with you to draft the LPA with stringent legal wording that protects your best interests at all times, should it need to be used. This will also determine when your LPA comes into effect, as it can be activated prior to you losing capacity if this is required.

4. Register Your Document

Now that your LPA has been drafted, the final step is to register it with the Office of the Public Guardian. This certifies your LPA, so that it’s legally binding and can be used if you lose capacity.

Work With Us Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late to create a Lasting Power of Attorney. Work with our LPA solicitors to draft yours today, and protect your best interests if you lose capacity down the line.

To get started, contact us on 01206 20733733, or complete our enquiry form below to hear from a member of our team. We’ll take the time to understand what kind of LPA you’re looking for, and help you to draft a document that encapsulates everything you need to.

What is the difference between a Health and Welfare LPA and a Property and Finance LPA?

A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your chosen attorney to manage money, pay bills, handle pensions, and sell property. It can be used as soon as it is registered (with your permission) or only if you lose capacity.

A Health and Welfare LPA covers decisions about your daily routine, medical treatments, care home arrangements, and life-sustaining treatment. Crucially, this type of LPA can only be used if you lack the mental capacity to make those decisions yourself.

Do I need a solicitor to make an LPA, or can I do it myself?

While you can complete the government forms independently, managing the legal requirements can be complex. Errors or ambiguous wording can lead to the Office of the Public Guardian rejecting your application, causing delays and extra costs.

Working with an experienced LPA solicitor ensures your wishes are drafted clearly and legally binding, which protects your assets and wellbeing if you lose capacity.

How long does it take for a Lasting Power of Attorney to be registered and valid?

Once the forms are signed, witnessed, and submitted, registration with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) typically takes 3 to 4 months.

Because an LPA cannot be legally used until it is registered by the OPG, it is essential to set one up well before it is needed. If mental capacity is lost before an LPA is registered, your family would instead have to apply to the Court of Protection, which is significantly more expensive and time-consuming.

Lasting Power of Attorney

Ensure Your Best Interests Are Prioritised If You Lose Capacity With Trusted LPA Solicitors