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Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Solicitors in Staffordshire
Planning ahead means the people you trust can step in and make decisions if you cannot. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you appoint one or more attorneys to make decisions for you — there are two types: Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare.
In England and Wales, LPA's must be properly made and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used.
At Nowell Meller Solicitors, our friendly, down to earth team explains your options in plain English and handles all the details so your LPA works exactly as you intend.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? And When Can and LPA be Used?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which allows a person to appoint people to help make decisions, or to make decisions on their behalf.
The person making the LPA is called the Donor. The person who assists is called the Attorney.
If something happens where a person is unable to communicate their wishes, they will not want anyone, other than trusted family, friends or professionals, making decisions for them. This is why an LPA is such a vital tool. They can:
- You want to protect a partner or spouse if something unexpected happens
- You run a business and need continuity for banking and contracts
- You have complex finances (investments, multiple accounts or property)
- Family dynamics are sensitive and you want to reduce future conflict
- You wish to record clear healthcare wishes and who should decide for you
What does an LPA cover?
Health and Welfare LPA
This gives the Attorney the power to make decisions about daily routine, medical care, medical treatment and care home facilities. Bearing in mind, this is only used when a person loses capacity, the LPA is a useful document to ensure those looking after a loved one, understand what the loved one would like them to do.
Property and Finances LPA
This gives the Attorney the power to make decisions about property and financial funds by looking after a bank account, paying day to day bills, dealing with pensions, savings and investments or selling/renting a property.
Why put an LPA in place now and not later
You can only make an LPA while you have mental capacity. If capacity is lost and no LPA exists, loved ones often need to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship which is a longer, more involved process. Setting up LPA's in advance keeps control in your hands and reduces stress for family members
Our LPA Service - Clear, Compassionate and Thorough Advice
We’ll guide you from first conversation to registration with the OPG:- Clarify which LPAs you need and how they should operate
- Help you choose the right attorneys (and replacements)
- Draft tailored instructions and preferences to reflect your wishes
- Ensure correct signing order, witnessing and certificate provider steps
- Register your LPAs with the OPG and keep you updated on progress.
Why Choose Nowell Meller Solicitors for Your LPA
The OPG rejects many applications due to avoidable errors. Using a specialist solicitor helps prevent mistakes and delays. We :
- Are an established Staffordshire firm with specialist private client team
- Offer friendly, approachable advice with no jargon
- Provide documents tailored to you; not “one‑size‑fits‑all”
- Handle the OPG registration for a smooth process
- Offer local support across Stafford, Newcastle‑under‑Lyme, Stoke‑on‑Trent and Alsager.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two types of LPA?
Property & Financial Affairs (money/property decisions) and Health & Welfare (care and medical decisions). You can make one or both.
Do LPAs have to be registered?
Yes. LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before use. Registration commonly takes 8–10 weeks if the application is error‑free.
When can a Health & Welfare LPA be used?
Only when you lack capacity to make that specific decision at that time.
Can I still make an LPA if I live abroad or appoint an attorney who lives abroad?
Yes. LPAs are for England & Wales, but donors or attorneys can live abroad (there are practicalities to consider, such as signing and witnessing). Ask us for tailored advice.
Do I need a solicitor?
You can make an LPA yourself, but many are rejected due to mistakes. A solicitor helps you get the details right, tailor instructions, and avoid delays.
For further advice please call our team on 01785 252377 for Stafford, 01782 987551 for Newcastle-under-Lyme, or 01270 446260 for Alsager. Or get in touch online to arrange a convenient appointment with a lasting power of attorney solicitor in Staffordshire.
