The Government has just launched its Your Voice, Your Decision campaign to encourage people in England and Wales to create a lasting power of attorney (LPA) through their online portal.

Why should I appoint Lasting Power of Attorney?

Lasting Power of Attorney enables a trusted family member or friend to help manage your affairs if you lose the capacity to do so yourself. This can include financial affairs and property. Further information can be found in our Complete Guide to Lasting Power of Attorney.

Failure to appoint a deputy in advance could mean that your affairs will be managed by a representative appointed by the State, rather than someone who knows you and what kind of decisions you would usually make.

The Government Campaign

The Your Voice, Your Decision campaign exists to encourage people to create their LPA directly through the gov.uk website in a step by step process.

Statistics mentioned on their campaign page are stark;

• 73% of people think if a couple have a joint bank account and one person can’t make decisions for themselves, their partner can legally make decisions for them both.
• 72% of people think your next of kin always gets the final say in treatment decisions at hospital if you can’t make them yourself.

Both of these assumptions are untrue, which reinforces why education around LPAs needs to be more widespread alongside the encouragement to create it.

Professionally Prepared LPAs

The Your Voice, Your Decision campaign brings the ability to work through the application online. It is a welcome shift into the digital age and a great tool to encourage people from all backgrounds to ensure their affairs are in order.

So what differentiates a professionally prepared LPA from a DIY one?

While many people have adapted to digital processes for many life milestones and formal arrangements such as buying a house, there is something different about making decisions for the future where you may want the guidance of a professional.

Having your LPA prepared by a legal professional will ensure that personal circumstances are understood and the right decisions are carefully considered, including backup plans if the primary attorney is unable to act.

This document will speak on your behalf when you no longer have the mental capacity to do so. As such, it must be crystal clear and leave no room for interpretation, ensuring your wishes are met by making fully informed decisions.

By working with a solicitor to prepare your LPA, you can ensure that all legalities are covered and no information is missed. Give the information to them and they will manage the rest of it. If there is any part of the application process or the process of appointing the attorney when required that you are unsure of, a legal professional can explain in clear terms everything you need to know.

Working with Slater Heelis

When you appoint Slater Heelis to create your LPA, you can rely on guidance throughout the entire process. Nothing will be left to chance, and none of your questions will go unanswered. You will be confident in every aspect of your LPA thanks to the support of our excellent legal team, who come extremely highly recommended on third party review site, Review Solicitors.

You will get:

• A dedicated solicitor to manage the process from start to finish, and advise along the way
• A personalised approach tailored to your own circumstances and what you would prefer
• Easy to understand language with a friendly and sensitive manner
• Expertise from a team boasting many years of experience supporting people from a range of backgrounds on complex and straightforward matters alike
• Further guidance in all aspects of estate planning if required

Get in touch for further information

Whether you are new to LPAs or have been considering making one for a while, are unsure whether to seek professional guidance or utilise the Your Voice, Your Decision campaign route, our legal team are here to help.

Contact us on 0161 969 3131 or fill in our contact form and one of the team will be in touch.