For a number of health reasons, there may be a time when you cannot communicate your wishes or make decisions for yourself. A Lasting Power of Attorney ensures that important decisions can be made on your behalf by those you trust to act in your best interests.

A Lasting Power of Attorney, or LPA, is a legal instrument that appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf. Should you wish to make an LPA online, this service is available from specialist sites such as //powerofattorneyonline.co.uk/.

Who can provide an LPA certificate?

First of all, they must not be related to the donor or an appointed attorney. They must be over 18 years old, known to the donor for at least two years, and not have a business relationship with the donor or attorney. Their role is to ensure that the donor understands the document, so they can be a professional who has the skills to ensure this – examples are a GP, a solicitor or a mental capacity advocate. Registered social workers can also act in this role.

Should I use a professional provider for my certificate?

The category of professional advisors means they are qualified to act in this role, and the Court of Protection is less likely to raise queries. Should any dispute arise, the certificate provider will be in a position to confirm the donor’s capacity to create the deed.

What kinds of LPAs are there?

There are two kinds of LPA. One deals with financial affairs and the other with decisions about health and care.