Lasting Power of Attorney – What You Need to Know

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our loved ones and ensure our wishes are honoured. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity in the future.

At AJH Social Work, I help individuals and families navigate the process of creating an LPA, ensuring everything is clear, legally compliant, and reflective of your needs. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that enables you to appoint a trusted person (known as an attorney) to make decisions for you if you’re unable to. There are two main types:

Health and Welfare LPA
Covers decisions about medical treatment, care, and daily living arrangements.

Property and Financial Affairs LPA
Allows someone to manage your finances, including bills, property, and investments.

Why is an LPA Important?

An LPA provides peace of mind for you and your family by ensuring your wishes are respected. It prevents delays or disputes about who can act on your behalf and ensures someone you trust is in charge if you lose capacity.

Setting up an LPA involves several key steps:

Choose Your Attorney
Select someone you trust completely to make decisions in your best interests.

Complete the Forms
Work with a professional to ensure the forms are completed accurately.

Get It Certified
A certificate provider must confirm you understand the LPA and are not under pressure to sign.

Register with the Office of the Public Guardian
The LPA must be officially registered before it can be used.

How AJH Social Work Can Help
I provide clear, supportive guidance throughout the LPA process, ensuring that your wishes are documented and legally compliant.

AJH Social Work Client Testimonial

Ashley’s support during a difficult time for my family was invaluable. His calm, professional approach made the entire process of arranging a mental capacity assessment straightforward and stress-free. We felt truly listened to and cared for.

Sarah M (Lincoln)

★★★★★

Wrapping Up

A Lasting Power of Attorney is an essential part of future planning. At AJH Social Work, I make the process straightforward, compassionate, and stress-free. Contact me today to discuss how I can help you set up an LPA.

About Ashley Holderness

Ashley Holderness is an Independent Social Worker based in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. He holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Lincoln and has spent over a decade working across local authorities, NHS Trusts, and Integrated Care Boards, leading on adult social care, mental health, and safeguarding.

Ashley works independently, which means he answers to his clients, not to any council or health body. His assessments are evidence-based, legally compliant, and written with clarity, so families and professionals can act on them with confidence.

Ashley is registered with Social Work England (SW96541) and is a member of the British Association of Social Workers.

If something in this article has raised questions about your own situation, you are welcome to get in touch for a no-pressure conversation.