Understanding why You Need a Lasting Power of Attorney
Life can change quickly. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) helps you plan ahead, giving peace of mind that someone you trust will make decisions for you if you can’t.
At Winston Solicitors in Leeds, we’ve helped thousands of people protect what matters most. And that’s evident, with over 3,000 five-star reviews for our care, clarity and personal approach.
Clients often tell us they wish they’d made their LPA sooner. It’s not just a form - it’s reassurance that your future is secure.
Monika Volsing, Head of Private Client at Winston Solicitors
- Plan your future with confidence – Leeds
- Protect your finances and wellbeing - UK law
- Get expert LPA advice from friendly solicitors
- Save time and avoid costly Court of Protection orders
- Start your LPA today - simple, guided process
- Join 3,000+ happy Winston clients who trusted us
What Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Mean?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you choose who can make important decisions if you lose the ability to do so yourself.
You decide:
- Who will act for you (your attorneys)
- What they can decide (your health, finances or both)
- When they can act (only if you lose capacity, or sooner if you prefer)
There are two main types of LPA:
Property and Financial Affairs LPA
This allows your chosen person to:
- Manage your bank accounts
- Pay bills or handle investments
- Buy or sell your home if needed
You can choose for this to start immediately after registration, or only if you lose mental capacity. Whichever feels right for you.
Health and Welfare LPA
This covers decisions about your:
- Medical treatment and care (including life-sustaining treatment)
- Where you live (e.g. care home choice)
- Day-to-day routines and wellbeing
This type of LPA can only be used if you lose capacity, ensuring your wishes are always respected.
Why You Need a Lasting Power of Attorney Now, Rather than Later
Many people delay making an LPA, thinking it’s something to sort “one day.” But loss of capacity isn’t always gradual. It can happen suddenly due to illness, like dementia or stroke, or an accident which causes brain trauma.
If you don’t have an LPA and lose capacity, your family or friends must apply to the Court of Protection.
That process can be:
- Expensive - it costs much more than an LPA
- Slow - taking several months or longer
- Uncertain - you won’t control who’s appointed to manage your affairs
Making an LPA means that you stay in control, rather then the court taking responsibility. That’s why you need a Lasting Power of Attorney now.
How to Set Up a Lasting Power of Attorney in Leeds
Here’s how we make the process simple and stress-free.
- Book Your Appointment
Arrange a meeting at our Leeds office with one of our friendly solicitors. We’ll explain how LPAs work and help you decide what’s right for you. - We Draft Your LPA
Once we understand your wishes, we’ll prepare your LPA documents and send them for review. - Review and Amend
Check the draft carefully. If anything needs changing, we’ll update it and arrange a follow-up meeting. - Sign and Certify
At your second appointment, we’ll go through the final version together. You’ll sign it, and a certificate provider will confirm you have capacity and understand the decision. - Attorneys Sign
Your chosen attorneys sign to confirm they’re willing and ready to act for you. - Registration with the OPG
We handle the full registration process with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). It usually takes around 16 weeks for approval. Once registered, we’ll send your LPA safely to you.
I found the Lasting Power of Attorney service to be excellent and top-notch. Emily was fantastic in getting things sorted out and done.
Jamie, Leeds, 2024
Your future deserves to be protected.
Talk to our friendly LPA team in Leeds today. We’ll explain everything in plain English and guide you from start to finish.
Start your LPA today or call 0113 320 5000 to speak to our team.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets someone you trust make important decisions for you if you can’t. It covers your finances, health, or both, giving you control over who steps in, and how.
An LPA gives you peace of mind that your wishes will be respected if you lose capacity. Without one, your loved ones might have to apply to the Court of Protection to be your deputy, which can be expensive, stressful and time-consuming. Worse still, the Court might appoint a deputy they choose, like a local authority or court-appointed lawyer, being someone you don’t even know.
Making an LPA early means you:
- Choose who makes decisions for you
- Avoid delays and extra costs later
- Protect your property, finances and care choices
- Keep your independence for as long as possible
The best time is now, while you have full mental capacity. You can only make an LPA while you understand what it means. Waiting until illness or injury strikes may be too late.
There are two:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA - for money, bills, and property.
- Health and Welfare LPA - for medical treatment, care, and daily living.
You can set up one or both, depending on your needs.
Once signed, registration with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) usually takes around 16 weeks, depending on government processing times. Winston Solicitors will handle all the paperwork for you.
Absolutely. Our Leeds solicitors help clients across West Yorkshire and beyond. You can visit our office, book a video appointment, or complete most of the process online.
