Powers of Attorney

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document which allows someone to make decisions for you - or act on your behalf - if you are no longer able to (or in respect of finances, you ask for assistance or no longer want to) make your own decisions. This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and are no longer able to make your own decisions (you ‘lack mental capacity’). You must be 18 or over and have mental capacity when you make your LPA. There are different types of power of attorney and you can set up more than one.

Health and welfare lasting power of attorney

Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about things like:

your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating
medical care
moving into a care home
life-sustaining treatment
where you live
what you eat
who you have contact with
what kind of activities you take part in
It can only be used when you’re unable to make your own decisions.

Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney

Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you, for example:

managing a bank or building society account
paying bills
collecting benefits or a pension
selling your home
investing money
arranging repairs to property

When can lasting powers of attorney be used?

It can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission. You can restrict the types of decisions your attorney can make or allow them to make all decisions on your behalf. If you set up a property and financial affairs LPA, your attorney must keep accounts and ensure their money is kept separate from yours. You can ask for details of how much is being spent and how much money you have; the details can be sent to your solicitor or a family member.

How much is a lasting power of attorney?

At Wilkinson Woodward Solicitors we charge £350 +VAT, plus the court fee for setting up a health and welfare LPA or for arranging a property and financial affairs LPA. Should you decide to do both at the same time, the cost is £575+VAT, plus court fees. For a couple wanting both Health and Welfare and Property and Financial Affairs LPAs, we charge £950 +VAT, plus court fees. The court fee is variable depending on income with a maximum court fee of £82 per document.

Specialist Solicitors for the Elderly and Vulnerable

Our specialists Katie Swift, Roy Dunn, Hayley Meskimmon, Linda Heaton, Heather Nuttall and Kelly Gill have many years’ experience in dealing with cases relation to the elderly and vulnerable.

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s list of Solicitors: Calderdale

Hayley Meskimmon is one of just a handful of solicitors in Calderdale to be included on Alzheimer’s Research UK’s list of solicitors who have experience of clients affected by dementia.

Solicitors for the Elderly: Calderdale

Heather Nuttall and Kelly Gill are both full members of Solicitors for the Elderly.

Society of Trust and Estate Practitioner (STEP): Calderdale

Heather Nuttall is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Together, we’ll work to give you peace of mind when it matters most. For more information about Powers of Attorney, please contact our specialists in Halifax, Huddersfield or Brighouse.

Download our leaflet on wills, probate, trusts and estates

Download our free guide to Lasting Powers of Attorney