Lasting Powers of Attorney
Safeguarding Decisions, Ensuring Peace of Mind
Led by Heather Hayes, a professional will writer and estate planner and member of the Society of Will Writers, our team in Surrey is dedicated to providing comprehensive guidance in setting up the right type of Power of Attorney. Whether it’s managing your finances, making health care decisions, or ensuring your business operations continue smoothly, we are here to help secure your affairs with empathy and expertise.
Our Lasting Power of Attorney Service
In Surrey, our dedicated team at Hayes Wills & Estate Planning offers a specialised service for creating Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) documents. Recognising the importance of preparing for the future, we guide you through the process of appointing trusted individuals to manage your affairs. Whether for health, welfare, financial decisions, or both, our service is tailored to reflect your wishes, providing security and reassurance for both you and your loved ones. With our comprehensive approach, we help you make informed decisions, ensuring your autonomy and peace of mind.
Key Service Features
Expert Guidance
Professional Advice, for informed decisions.
Personalised Service
Tailored Support, reflecting your wishes.
Clear Planning
Thorough Coverage, for all scenarios.
Secure Documentation
Safekeeping Solutions, for important documents.
Transparent Fees
Clear Pricing, with no surprises.
Our LPA Service
1
Understanding Your Needs
Initial meeting to discuss your situation and the scope of the LPA.
2
Choosing Attorneys
Guidance on selecting the right individuals to act on your behalf.
3
Document Drafting
Drafting your LPA with attention to detail and precision.
4
Review and Approval
Reviewing the documents together to ensure accuracy and satisfaction.
5
Registration
Assisting with the registration of your LPA with the relevant authorities.
6
Ongoing Support
Providing continuous support to review and update your Power of Attorney as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people, known as ‘attorneys,’ to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to do so. There are two types of LPAs: one for property and financial decisions and another for health and welfare decisions. This ensures that your affairs can be handled according to your wishes even if you are no longer able to communicate them.
How do I choose an attorney?
Choosing an attorney is a significant decision. It should be someone you trust implicitly, such as a close family member or friend who understands your preferences and is willing to act in your best interests. Consider their ability to handle responsibility and their willingness to take on this role. It’s also wise to discuss your intentions with them beforehand to ensure they are prepared and willing to serve as your attorney.
Why do I need an LPA?
An LPA is essential as it ensures that your affairs, whether personal, financial, or health-related, are taken care of by someone you trust should you become unable to make these decisions yourself. This can provide peace of mind to both you and your family, knowing that your wishes will be respected and followed no matter what happens.
Can an LPA be changed once it's set up?
Yes, an LPA can be changed or cancelled as long as you have the mental capacity to do so. This flexibility allows you to adapt the arrangements if your circumstances change, such as a change in your relationship with the appointed attorney or if your attorney is no longer able to carry out their duties.
What are the costs involved?
The costs of setting up an LPA include our adviser fees for drafting the document and overseeing the registration process, alongside the registration fee paid to the Office of the Public Guardian. We provide a clear breakdown of all costs upfront to ensure transparency.
Our own fees vary depending on how many LPAs you need – the more you need, the more discounts apply. The Office of Public Guardian charge £82 per document to register the LPA.
How long does it take to set up an LPA?
Setting up an LPA typically involves several stages, including consultation, document drafting, and registration. With registration alone taking up to 20 weeks in most circumstances, the entire process can take around 6 months or more, depending on how quickly you can provide the necessary information. Our team ensures each step is handled efficiently to expedite the process while maintaining accuracy.