Lasting Power of Attorney

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves conversations about losing mental capacity.

At Butcher & Barlow, we understand how sensitive these conversations can be, and we are here to offer clear, practical guidance and advice.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives you reassurance that trusted people will be able to make decisions on your behalf, should you no longer be able to do so.

Our Power of Attorney Solicitors will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your LPA reflects your wishes and is properly registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Butcher & Barlow – Your Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors

Understanding Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity.

There are two types:

Health and Welfare LPA covering medical treatment, care decisions and day-to-day welfare.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA covering management of money, property, bills, pensions and investments.

LPAs must be made while you still have mental capacity and must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.

Putting an LPA in place provides reassurance that your wishes will be respected.

Types of Lasting Powers of Attorney

Health and Welfare LPA

A Health and Welfare LPA allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your personal welfare, but only if you lose the ability to make those decisions yourself.

Your chosen attorney can make decisions about:

Medical treatment and care
Daily routines, such as meals and personal care
Moving into a care home
Life-sustaining treatment

Our Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors can help you put everything in place, ensuring your instructions are understood, legally protected and ready to guide your attorney(s) should they need to step in.

Property and Financial Affairs LPA

A Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone to manage your money, property, and financial matters.

A financial LPA can be used with your permission while you still have capacity, or only if you lose capacity, depending on your preference.

This gives your attorney authority to:

Manage bank accounts and pay bills
Handle pensions, benefits, and investments
Buy or sell property if required

It is a practical step to protect your financial wellbeing. At Butcher & Barlow, we will ensure your LPA reflects your wishes and is properly drafted and registered, so your affairs are handled securely and exactly as you intend.

How to make and register an LPA

Creating and registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) involves several key steps.

Choosing your attorney(s) – trusted individuals who will act in your best interests.
Completing and signing the forms – ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Registering with the Office of the Public Guardian – the LPA must be registered before it can be used.

It currently takes around 8 to 10 weeks to register an LPA, provided there are no errors or objections. Our team will help you avoid common pitfalls, saving time and reducing stress.

Why choose Butcher & Barlow?

When it comes to planning for the future, you need more than a completed form. You need trusted advisers who will take the time to understand your circumstances, listen to your concerns and guide you through the process with clarity and care. That is what we offer at Butcher & Barlow.

Our Private Client Solicitors have extensive experience in preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney. We are known for our attention to detail, ensuring every document is correctly completed and legally valid, so that you and your loved ones avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

We pride ourselves on offering a personal service. By getting to know you and your family, we make sure that your LPA reflects your wishes and provides the reassurance you need that decisions will be made in your best interests.

As a long-established Firm across the North West, Butcher & Barlow is recognised for its approachable style, integrity and commitment to supporting clients through life’s most important decisions. With offices throughout the region, we are here for you not just today, but for the future too.