Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors
Planning ahead gives you peace of mind and ensures the people you trust can make important decisions if you're ever unable to do so yourself. Our experienced Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors provide clear, compassionate guidance to help protect your future and support your loved ones.
Introduction
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Disbursements are payments made to third parties during a legal transaction. They are separate from your solicitor’s legal fees and may include Land Registry fees, search fees, official copies, Stamp Duty Land Tax and other charges required to complete your commercial property matter.
The disbursements applicable to your matter will depend on the nature of the transaction. Factors such as the type of property, lease terms, registration requirements and whether Stamp Duty Land Tax is payable can all affect the final cost. Common examples include Land Registry fees, official copy documents, Local Authority searches, Environmental searches, Drainage & Water searches and VAT on applicable disbursements.
Why Choose Prime Legal Solicitors?
LPA & Later Life Planning Specialists
Our experienced solicitors advise landlords and tenants on all aspects of commercial lease transactions.
Fixed Fee Packages
We provide realistic estimates of anticipated third-party costs before your transaction begins.
Clear, Jargon-Free Advice
Flexible Appointments
Support for Families
We regularly advise on estates involving property, businesses, inheritance tax and disputes between beneficiaries.
Ongoing Guidance
From preparing your LPA to registration and future reviews, we’re here to support you.
LPA & Later Life Planning Specialists
Our experienced solicitors provide practical advice on every aspect of Lasting Powers of Attorney and future planning.
Fixed Fee Packages
We offer transparent fixed-fee LPA services with no hidden costs.
Clear, Jargon-Free Advice
We explain every stage of the process in plain English, ensuring you understand your options.
Flexible Appointments
Home visits and video appointments are available where appropriate for your convenience.
Support for Families
We regularly help individuals and families plan ahead when concerns about future mental capacity arise.
Ongoing Guidance
From preparing your LPA to registration and future reviews, we’re here to support you.
Ready to discuss your case?
We have successfully advised hundreds of individuals and families through divorce and related family law matters.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Definition and Legal Meaning
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint trusted individuals, known as attorneys, to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to make those decisions yourself.
Property & Financial Affairs LPA
This type of LPA allows your attorney to manage finances, pay bills, deal with property, operate bank accounts and make financial decisions in your best interests.
Health & Welfare LPA
This LPA allows your attorney to make decisions about medical treatment, daily care, living arrangements and other personal welfare matters if you lose mental capacity.
Who Can Be an Attorney?
An attorney should be someone you trust completely. Many people appoint a spouse, partner, family member or close friend, although professional attorneys may also be appointed in some circumstances.
How an LPA Differs From an Ordinary Power of Attorney
An Ordinary Power of Attorney is usually only suitable while you still have mental capacity. A Lasting Power of Attorney continues to protect you if capacity is lost.
What Happens If You Lose Capacity Without an LPA?
If no LPA exists, your loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to make decisions on your behalf. This process is generally more expensive, time-consuming and restrictive than having an LPA in place.
Definition and Legal Meaning
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint trusted individuals, known as attorneys, to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to make those decisions yourself.
Property & Financial Affairs LPA
This type of LPA allows your attorney to manage finances, pay bills, deal with property, operate bank accounts and make financial decisions in your best interests.
Health & Welfare LPA
This LPA allows your attorney to make decisions about medical treatment, daily care, living arrangements and other personal welfare matters if you lose mental capacity.
Who Can Be an Attorney?
An attorney should be someone you trust completely. Many people appoint a spouse, partner, family member or close friend, although professional attorneys may also be appointed in some circumstances.
How an LPA Differs From an Ordinary Power of Attorney
An Ordinary Power of Attorney is usually only suitable while you still have mental capacity. A Lasting Power of Attorney continues to protect you if capacity is lost.
What Happens If You Lose Capacity Without an LPA?
If no LPA exists, your loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to make decisions on your behalf. This process is generally more expensive, time-consuming and restrictive than having an LPA in place.
When Should You Contact a Solicitor?
Planning for the Future
If you want peace of mind that someone you trust can make decisions for you if necessary, setting up an LPA early is one of the most effective ways to protect your future.
Supporting an Ageing Parent
Many families arrange LPAs for parents before health conditions begin to affect their ability to make important decisions independently.
Health Concerns
If you have recently been diagnosed with a condition that may affect mental capacity in the future, it's important to arrange an LPA while you still have capacity.
Choosing Who Makes Decisions
Creating an LPA allows you to choose who will manage your finances or make decisions about your care, rather than leaving those decisions to the courts.
Reviewing an Existing LPA
If your circumstances or relationships have changed, it may be sensible to review your existing arrangements.
Unsure Which Type You Need
Many people are uncertain whether they need one or both types of Lasting Power of Attorney. We can explain your options and help you make informed decisions.
Planning for the Future
If you want peace of mind that someone you trust can make decisions for you if necessary, setting up an LPA early is one of the most effective ways to protect your future.
Supporting an Ageing Parent
Many families arrange LPAs for parents before health conditions begin to affect their ability to make important decisions independently.
Health Concerns
If you have recently been diagnosed with a condition that may affect mental capacity in the future, it's important to arrange an LPA while you still have capacity.
Choosing Who Makes Decisions
Creating an LPA allows you to choose who will manage your finances or make decisions about your care, rather than leaving those decisions to the courts.
Reviewing an Existing LPA
If your circumstances or relationships have changed, it may be sensible to review your existing arrangements.
Unsure Which Type You Need
Many people are uncertain whether they need one or both types of Lasting Power of Attorney. We can explain your options and help you make informed decisions.
Early legal advice can often prevent disputes from escalating and may help achieve a quicker resolution.
Our LPA Services
Property & Financial Affairs LPA
Preparing and registering LPAs that allow trusted attorneys to manage your financial affairs when needed.
Health & Welfare LPA
Helping you appoint trusted individuals to make decisions about your health, care and personal welfare.
LPAs for Couples
Preparing complementary LPAs for couples who wish to plan together while maintaining individual legal protection.
Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian
Managing the registration process to ensure your LPA is legally effective when required.
Reviewing Existing LPAs
Reviewing existing documents to ensure they continue to reflect your wishes and current circumstances.
Professional Attorney Services
Advice where you wish to appoint a professional attorney or require independent support.
Advice for Families & Attorneys
Providing guidance to attorneys and family members on their legal responsibilities and duties.
Court of Protection Applications
Helping families apply to the Court of Protection where someone has already lost capacity without an LPA.
Property & Financial Affairs LPA
Preparing and registering LPAs that allow trusted attorneys to manage your financial affairs when needed.
Health & Welfare LPA
Helping you appoint trusted individuals to make decisions about your health, care and personal welfare.
LPAs for Couples
Preparing complementary LPAs for couples who wish to plan together while maintaining individual legal protection.
Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian
Managing the registration process to ensure your LPA is legally effective when required.
Reviewing Existing LPAs
Reviewing existing documents to ensure they continue to reflect your wishes and current circumstances.
Professional Attorney Services
Advice where you wish to appoint a professional attorney or require independent support.
Advice for Families & Attorneys
Providing guidance to attorneys and family members on their legal responsibilities and duties.
Court of Protection Applications
Helping families apply to the Court of Protection where someone has already lost capacity without an LPA.
Early legal advice can often prevent disputes from escalating and may help achieve a quicker resolution.
Our Legal Process
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
We discuss your circumstances, explain your options and identify which type of LPA best meets your needs.
Step 2 – Choosing Your Attorneys
We help you decide who should act on your behalf and explain the responsibilities involved.
Step 3 – Preparing Your Documents
We prepare your Lasting Power of Attorney documents accurately and ensure they reflect your wishes.
Step 4 – Signing & Certification
The documents are signed correctly and certified in accordance with legal requirements.
Step 5 – Registration
We submit your LPA to the Office of the Public Guardian for registration.
Step 6 – Secure Storage & Future Reviews
Once registered, we can advise on secure storage and review your arrangements if circumstances change.
Once the court reaches a decision, we explain the order and provide ongoing advice if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do search fees differ between transactions?
Search fees vary because different properties require different searches, and charges differ between local authorities and search providers.
Are disbursements refundable if the transaction falls through?
Generally, third-party costs already incurred cannot be refunded, even if the transaction does not complete.
Can disbursement costs be estimated in advance?
Yes. We provide an estimate of anticipated disbursements before work begins, although some costs may vary depending on the specific transaction.
Do disbursement costs vary depending on the property?
Yes. Search fees and certain third-party charges may vary according to the property's location and the type of transaction.
Is VAT charged on disbursements?
Some disbursements attract VAT while others do not. We explain any applicable VAT in your written quotation.
Who pays search fees?
Responsibility for search fees depends on the type of transaction and the agreement between the parties.
Do I have to pay disbursements if the transaction does not complete?
Some disbursements, such as property searches already ordered, are usually payable even if the transaction does not proceed.
What is the difference between legal fees and disbursements?
Legal fees are the charges for your solicitor's professional services, while disbursements are payments made to third parties during your transaction.
Costs
Related Legal Services
Wills
Ensure your wishes are clearly documented and your loved ones are provided for with a professionally drafted will.
Probate Services
Helping executors and families administer estates efficiently following the death of a loved one.
Court of Protection
Supporting families where a person has already lost mental capacity and decisions need to be made through the Court of Protection.
Trusts
Helping protect family assets and manage wealth for future generations through carefully structured trusts.
Estate Administration
Providing practical legal support with every aspect of administering an estate, from obtaining probate to distributing assets.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Helping individuals and families reduce potential inheritance tax liabilities through effective estate planning.
Wills
Ensure your wishes are clearly documented and your loved ones are provided for with a professionally drafted will.
Probate Services
Helping executors and families administer estates efficiently following the death of a loved one.
Court of Protection
Supporting families where a person has already lost mental capacity and decisions need to be made through the Court of Protection.
Trusts
Helping protect family assets and manage wealth for future generations through carefully structured trusts.
Estate Administration
Providing practical legal support with every aspect of administering an estate, from obtaining probate to distributing assets.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Helping individuals and families reduce potential inheritance tax liabilities through effective estate planning.
Why This Matters
A Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents you can put in place during your lifetime. It allows you to remain in control by deciding who will make important decisions on your behalf if you are ever unable to make them yourself. Without an LPA, your loved ones may have to apply to the Court of Protection, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.
Putting an LPA in place also provides reassurance for your family. During what could already be a stressful and emotional period, they will have clear legal authority to manage your affairs and make decisions in accordance with your wishes, giving everyone greater peace of mind.
Local Expertise
Prime Legal Solicitors advises individuals and families throughout Rochdale, Manchester, Greater Manchester, London and the surrounding areas on Lasting Powers of Attorney and later life planning. Whether you are preparing your first LPA, reviewing an existing document or seeking advice following a loss of capacity, our experienced solicitors provide practical support to clients across England and Wales.
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- Waiting until mental capacity has already been lost before considering an LPA.
- Creating only one type of LPA when both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare LPAs may be beneficial.
- Choosing an attorney without discussing the responsibilities with them beforehand.
- Delaying registration with the Office of the Public Guardian, preventing the LPA from being used when needed.
- Assuming a will covers decisions made during your lifetime—it only takes effect after death.
- Forgetting to review an LPA following significant life events such as marriage, divorce or changes in family circumstances.
Related Guides
- Property & Financial Affairs LPA vs Health & Welfare LPA
- What Happens If You Lose Capacity Without an LPA?
- How to Choose an Attorney
- Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney Explained
- Court of Protection: What It Is and When It Is Needed
Speak to a Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitor
Making a Lasting Power of Attorney today can provide valuable peace of mind for you and your loved ones tomorrow. Our experienced solicitors are here to guide you through every stage of the process with clear advice, compassionate support and straightforward legal guidance.