Lasting Power of Attorney
(LPA)

Unfortunately we do not know what is going to happen in the future, and what our health will be like, but one way to gain some peace of mind is to set up Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney is often useful where an individual is not physically able to get out and about. An LPA is a contingency plan to ensure that both you and your finances are looked after (when you no longer have the ability to do so) and most importantly by someone you know and trust!

Some people fear that having a Lasting Power of Attorney means they will lose all control over their assets- this is not true. You decide how much control your Attorney has over your assets and you can revoke a Lasting Power of Attorney at any point, as long as you still have mental capacity. 

LPAs cannot be made once your mind is impaired and since this could happen suddenly, for example due to a stroke or an accident, it is important to make them well before they are needed.

If you have not set up your LPAs in time the alternative is a lengthy and expensive court procedure called Deputyship at the Court of Protection in London. 

From the first appointment to the registering of the Lasting Powers of Attorney usually takes between thirteen and fourteen weeks depending on Office of the Public Guardian registration times. Every LPA must be registered with the OPG before it can be used. 

D Burke & Co Ltd believes in a transparent, open and above board pricing structure. View the current price list.

The first appointment usually takes up to an hour and a half. In that meeting we discuss your family situation. For instance: 

• Are you married?
• Do you have children? 
• Do you have grandchildren

It can be useful to have full names and addresses of the people in your family ready for the first meeting.

We also discuss what assets you own. For instance:

• Do you own your own home?
• Do you have a pension?
• How much do you have in savings? 

Again it can be useful, prior to the meeting, to make a brief list of your assets and their values. Please do not worry if you do not have all of the information at hand for the first meeting. 

We will then discuss what you want in your Lasting Power of Attorney such as who you would like to act as your attorneys and any specific wishes you may have.

Once your Lasting Power of Attorney has been signed and registered you will be provided with a copy.

The original LPAs are placed, free of charge, in safekeeping with D Burke & Co Limited.