A lasting power of attorney allows you to appoint one person or more than one person to deal with your property and financial affairs and/or make health and welfare decisions on your behalf.

A lasting power of attorney remains valid if the donor loses their mental capacity. A general power of attorney is only valid whilst the donor is mentally capable.

Making an LPA can give the donor peace of mind that someone they trust will make decisions about health and finances for them. You can choose to make your attorney responsible for your financial or health decisions or both. If you decide to make a financial lasting power of attorney your attorney will only have decision making powers when you want them to, or if you lose mental capacity. If you choose to make a health LPA your attorney will only have decision making power if you lose mental capacity.