Secure Your Future: Why You Need a Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitor

Planning for the future isn’t just about savings or investments, it’s about making sure those you trust are empowered to safeguard your interests, no matter what life brings. Don't let your family face legal barriers when you need their help most. At Claire Nash Solicitors, your trusted LPA solicitors serving Crowborough, Haywards Heath, and surrounding areas, we specialise in Lasting Power of Attorney services designed for peace of mind, simplicity, and maximum legal protection.

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney and Why Is It So Important?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a document that lets you (the Donor) appoint one or more trusted people (known as Attorneys) to make crucial decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so yourself. These decisions can range from managing your finances to choices about your health and welfare. Without a registered LPA, even your closest family or partner may not have the legal authority they need to act for you.

Setting up an LPA is not just for vulnerable individuals, it's for anyone planning ahead for possible challenges like illness, loss of capacity, or unexpected life changes. Crucially, an LPA must be set up while you still have the mental capacity to do so. It must also be officially registered with the UK government's Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), who currently charge £82 for registration for each Lasting Power of Attorney. (NB this fee is expected to increase to £92 per document from 17th November 2025.) The registration process typically takes around 12 weeks, so early planning is essential.

Important Note: LPAs replaced the older Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) system in 2007, offering greater protection and flexibility than the previous system, as you can now appoint an attorney to deal with important personal decisions about health and welfare when you previously could not.

Two Essential Types of Lasting Power of Attorney

When you consult with our power of attorney lawyers at Claire Nash Solicitors, you'll hear about the two main types of LPA you may wish to consider:

Finance and Property LPA

Gives your chosen person(s) authority to handle practical matters such as:

• Paying bills

• Managing bank accounts or building societies

• Selling property

• Collecting pensions or benefits

• Paying for care

This type can be used as soon as it's registered, but only with your consent, or when you are unable to act.

Health and Welfare LPA

Empowers your attorney(s) to make vital decisions about:

• Day-to-day routines (washing, dressing, eating)

• Medical care

• Moving into a care home

• Life-sustaining treatment

These decisions can only be made by your attorney. If and when you lose the ability to make your own decisions.

Why Choose Claire Nash Solicitors for Your LPAs?

Specialist expertise: Our friendly, local team provides specialist advice regarding Lasting Powers of Attorney in Crowborough, Haywards Heath and surrounding areas, ensuring your LPA is set up correctly and registered promptly, avoiding any costly mistakes.

Clear guidance: We'll walk you through every step, helping you choose trustworthy attorneys, understand your rights, and tailor your LPA to your unique circumstances.

Peace of mind: Proper legal advice means your wishes are respected and those you care about are empowered to act quickly when you need them most.

LPAs: Flexibility, Security, and Adaptation

LPAs are designed to be flexible. You can appoint one or several attorneys, including replacement attorneys, and build in restrictions or preferences to reflect your wishes. If your circumstances change, such as a new medical condition or a change in family dynamics, you can revoke your LPA provided you have mental capacity and make a new one to reflect your updated position and wishes.

The Risks of Not Having a Power of Attorney

Without a registered LPA, decision-making authority becomes much more complicated:

• Family or friends may have to apply to the Court of Protection which can be a lengthy and expensive process costing thousands of pounds

• Loved ones may be unable to access your accounts, pay for care, or make critical medical choices

• There could be delays in selling a home or making urgent financial arrangements, causing distress at an already challenging time

Who Should You Appoint as Your Attorney?

You must trust your chosen attorney(s) implicitly, as they have significant authority over your affairs. Most people appoint close family members or friends, but if you lack suitable options, a solicitor can act as your attorney for added professionalism and objectivity.

Claire Nash Solicitors guide you through this crucial decision, considering the reliability, willingness, and legal eligibility of each candidate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still make my own decisions after setting up an LPA?
Yes, absolutely. An LPA only gives your attorneys authority when you cannot make decisions yourself, or if you've given them permission to act while you still have capacity (Finance and Property LPA only).

What's the difference between LPA and the old EPA?
LPAs replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney in 2007. Unlike EPAs, LPAs include health and welfare decisions and must be registered before use.

How much does it cost to set up an LPA?
The OPG registration fee is currently £82 per LPA. Our solicitor fees vary depending on complexity—contact us for a transparent quote.

Can I change my LPA once it's registered?
You can make some changes while you have mental capacity, such as renaming an attorney, but significant changes may require creating a new LPA.

How to Set Up Your Power of Attorney with Claire Nash Solicitors

Initial Consultation: Discuss your needs, concerns, and wishes with our approachable team during your initial consultation.

Drafting Your LPA: We prepare a clear, comprehensive document tailored to your requirements.

Registration Support: We handle the legal steps to register your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Future Updates: If needed, we help amend or revoke your LPA to reflect life's changes.

Why Act Now?

Life is unpredictable. By setting up an LPA today, you ensure that those you trust have the necessary legal authority to help you if you become unable to make decisions in the future. With registration taking around 12 weeks, early planning is crucial so act now to save worry later.

Local Expertise: Serving Crowborough, Haywards Heath & Beyond

Claire Nash Solicitors make a complex journey easy and reassuring, providing face-to-face advice locally and a friendly voice when you call, whether you're planning for old age, setting up care for loved ones, or simply seeking to secure your future.

Ready to protect your future?

To discuss Lasting Powers of Attorney with expert legal guidance, contact Claire Nash Solicitors today:

Crowborough Office: 01892 731082
Haywards Heath Office: 01444 417944