Do I need an LPA?
Thinking about making an LPA but not sure if you need one? LPAs are a useful way of planning for the future to make sure that you are looked after in the event that you become ill through a mental illness such as dementia, or become dependant upon others following an accident or a stroke.
Who can make an LPA?
Anyone over the age of 18 with mental capacity can make an LPA.
Who might need an LPA?
You don’t need to be elderly or in poor health to make an LPA. It is better to make one when you are fit and healthy, and younger, than to leave it too late.
Anyone may potentially need an LPA, whether because of a common illness such as cancer or stroke, or an accident. An LPA can also be useful if you work or travel abroad a lot and are simply unable to manage your finances while you are away.
You do not need to have complicated affairs to need an LPA. Remember, an LPA can also cover your health and wellbeing decisions. You can decide what medical treatment you wish to receive, where you live and how you are cared for.
What happens if I don’t make one?
You may lose the ability to make decisions for yourself, before you make an LPA. If so, there are a number of problems you and your loved ones can face:
- You will no longer be able to decide who make decisions for you;
- Your loved ones may have to apply to court to obtain a court order, known as a Deputyship Order, to prove that they are best placed to make decisions for you. This is a very long and expensive process, and your loved ones can only repay the costs to themselves from your accounts after the Order has been made;
- You many find that someone you don’t know ends up making decisions for you, if the court decides that this is the best option for your care.