Preparing for the future is not always a priority in day-to-day life, but putting certain legal protections in place can make a significant difference during times of uncertainty. One such protection is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). At Marley Solicitors, we support individuals and families in Walton-on-Thames with tailored, reliable LPA services, helping you plan ahead with reassurance and clarity.
Understanding what a Lasting Power of Attorney involves
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a piece of legal paperwork that lets you appoint someone you trust to decide things for you, should you lose the capacity to do so. This safeguard ensures that your financial, health, and personal affairs are managed in line with your wishes.
There are two main types of LPA:
- Property and financial affairs LPA: Grants authority to handle money matters such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, or selling property.
- Health and welfare LPA: Enables decisions about your health care, living arrangements, and daily wellbeing if you are unable to make those choices yourself.
Both types serve different purposes, and many people choose to put them in place for comprehensive protection.
Why LPAs matter, no matter your age
Loss of mental capacity is not restricted to older individuals. Accidents, medical emergencies, or conditions such as dementia can affect anyone, often without warning. If you lose capacity without an LPA in place, your loved ones cannot automatically step in to manage your affairs. Instead, they must apply for a deputyship through the Court of Protection, which is often slow, stressful, and costly.
By arranging an LPA while you are still mentally capable, you retain control over who will act for you and under what circumstances. This foresight prevents confusion and conflict, giving your family clear legal authority to act in your best interests.
Common myths about LPAs
There are several misunderstandings that often delay people from putting an LPA in place. Let’s clear a few of them up:
- “It’s only for the elderly.” In reality, an LPA protects anyone at any stage of life. Younger people are not immune to sudden health issues.
- “My spouse can make decisions for me anyway.” Without an LPA, even your closest family member does not have the legal right to manage your finances or health matters.
- “It’s expensive and complicated.” When done with expert support, setting up an LPA is a simple and cost-effective process that brings long-term peace of mind.
How we help clients in Walton-on-Thames set up LPAs
Marley Solicitors offers a personal, approachable service to help you navigate the LPA process from start to finish. Our team provides:
- Clear legal advice tailored to your situation and preferences
- Step-by-step guidance to complete all necessary forms correctly
- Assistance with registering the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian
- Support with choosing suitable attorneys, including options for replacement attorneys
- Help with explaining your wishes clearly within the document to avoid ambiguity
We take the time to understand your concerns and provide practical advice that is free from unnecessary legal jargon.
The process of creating an LPA
Setting up an LPA involves a series of straightforward steps:
- Choosing your attorney(s)
You select trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf. You can appoint more than one and specify whether they act jointly or independently. - Completing the paperwork
The relevant forms are filled in with your details, your attorneys’ information, and any specific instructions or preferences you wish to include. - Certification
A certificate provider (either a professional or someone who knows you well) confirms that you understand what you are signing and that no one is pressuring you. - Signing and witnessing
Everyone involved signs the form in the correct order, with witnesses as required. - Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian
The completed form is submitted for official registration. Only once this step is complete can the LPA be used.
We ensure that every form is completed accurately and that you feel confident at each stage.
What if you do not have an LPA?
If you lose mental capacity and have not created an LPA, your family or carers will have to apply for permission to act on your behalf through the Court of Protection. This process can take several months, involve court fees, and lead to outcomes that may not reflect your original wishes.
More importantly, the person appointed may not be someone you would have chosen. With an LPA, you retain control by appointing people you trust and setting out clear instructions in advance.
Cost of making an LPA
Our fees at Marley Solicitors are transparent and fair, designed to ensure accessibility to this important legal safeguard. We offer fixed-fee packages for single or dual LPAs, with clear explanations of what is included.
In addition to our legal fees, there is a standard registration fee of £82 per LPA, payable to the Office of the Public Guardian. Some clients may be eligible for a fee reduction or exemption, and we will guide you through the application process if applicable.
Choosing the right attorney
Appointing an attorney is a decision that deserves careful thought. You should choose someone who:
- Is trustworthy and reliable
- Understands your values and preferences
- Has the skills to manage your affairs responsibly
- Is willing and able to take on the role
You can also include replacement attorneys in case your original choice is no longer able or willing to act. We are happy to discuss your options and offer impartial advice during your consultation.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Walton-on-Thames?
Our team is proud to serve clients across Walton-on-Thames with high-quality, compassionate legal support. Choosing us means:
- Local knowledge: We understand the needs of the community and provide legal solutions that reflect them.
- Approachable service: You can expect a friendly and professional experience, free from confusing legal terminology.
- Experienced solicitors: Our team has years of experience supporting clients with lasting powers of attorney and related matters.
- Complete confidentiality: Your privacy is always respected, and sensitive matters are handled with care.
Book a consultation today
Taking steps to arrange a Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most responsible actions you can take for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you are ready to begin the process or simply want to understand your options, Marley Solicitors is here to help.
Contact our Walton-on-Thames office today to arrange a consultation or learn more about our Lasting Power of Attorney services. We are ready to support you with straightforward, compassionate advice that puts your future in safe hands.
