A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a very powerful document that gives a person or people legal authorisation to act on someone else's behalf. There are two types of LPA. You can have a property and financial affairs LPA and personal welfare LPA.

Laura Ablett, partner at local law firm Thatcher + Hallam explains more.

"It is important to consider who would be able to manage your affairs if you weren't able to do it yourself. By making a Lasting Power of Attorney, it is clear who is appointed to assist you in the future, if needed. It is something we would recommend everyone considers doing."

Attorneys appointed under a property and financial affairs LPA have authority to deal with your financial assets, such as bank accounts, investments and shareholdings, as well as your property.

A personal welfare LPA enables your attorneys to make decisions on your behalf in respect of your care, medical treatment and where you live if you were unable to make these decisions yourself.

Thatcher + Hallam offers a fixed fee LPA service. This includes an initial meeting, as well as preparation of the LPA itself.

For more information about a Lasting Power of Attorney please visit th-law.co.uk or contact Thatcher + Hallam on 01761 414646.