{"id":768,"date":"2017-08-15T15:45:11","date_gmt":"2017-08-15T15:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advisingfamilies.org\/?p=768"},"modified":"2022-08-11T14:18:17","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T14:18:17","slug":"who-should-i-choose-attorney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advisingfamilies.org\/uk\/information-portal\/planning-ahead\/who-should-i-choose-attorney\/","title":{"rendered":"Who should I choose to be my attorney?"},"content":{"rendered":"

No one knows what’s going to happen in the future, and it can be reassuring to plan ahead to make provision for yourself and your family if anything were to happen to you. Making a will<\/a> is a useful first step, but you may also consider making a power of attorney in case at any point you become incapable of managing your own affairs through age, illness or accident. In England and Wales, a\u00a0Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)<\/a>\u00a0enables you to appoint a trusted individual or individuals who, in the event of your loss of capacity, would be responsible for, and would have the legal authority to make, decisions in relation to your property and finances and\/or your health and welfare.<\/p>\n

Types of Lasting Power of Attorney<\/h2>\n

In England and Wales there are two types of LPA \u2013 Property and Financial Affairs<\/a> and Health and Welfare<\/a> \u2013 and you can appoint an attorney for either one or both of these.<\/p>\n

With a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, your attorney will be responsible for all your financial affairs. This means looking after your money and making sure all your bills are paid. They will be responsible for your investments, property, money and other assets.<\/p>\n

With a Health and Welfare LPA, your attorney will be responsible for your welfare. This means looking after your health, personal care, wellbeing and quality of life. They will be responsible for your accommodation and your physical and mental welfare and will be able to make choices about where you live, whether you should receive a particular healthcare treatment, and day-to-day things like diet, dress and daily routine.<\/p>\n

Who should I choose?<\/h2>\n

With such important responsibilities, it is vital to consider your choice of attorney very carefully.<\/p>\n

Your attorney must be at least 18 years old and can be a family member, spouse\/partner or friend. Alternatively (or additionally) you can engage a qualified professional such as a solicitor to act as your attorney.<\/p>\n

Some key considerations are as follows:<\/p>\n