Lasting Power of Attorneys

It now costs less to register your Lasting Power of Attorney!

During our lifetimes – be it through illness, disability or old age – we may require assistance making some decisions or carrying out certain chores and responsibilities.

Lasting Powers of Attorney enable us to appoint people we trust to assist us with these matters should we ever need them. These people are called our Attorneys.

People of all ages, in various stages of life, choose to make Lasting Powers of Attorney for peace of mind as they look to the future.

There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney: Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney and Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney.

The Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney enables your Attorneys to look after your property and financial affairs, and assist you with things such as your banking, should you need assistance or should you become mentally incapable.

The Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney enables your Attorneys to make decisions in relation to your personal welfare, and such matters as care and hospital treatment, should you become unable to make such decisions.

Lasting Powers of Attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. The Registration fee per each Lasting Power of Attorney was until recently £110.00 but since 1st April 2017 this fee has been reduced to £82.00 each. Furthermore, if your gross annual income is less than £12,000.00 per year the fee may be reduced by 55% meaning each Lasting Power of Attorney costs only £41.00 each to register. You should also note that the fee can be exempted completely if you receive a relevant means-tested benefit which your legal advisor can discuss with you further.

The Government says the reduction in fees has been made possible because it has been receiving an increased number of applications, driving down the cost to the individual, and that they hope the more affordable fees will encourage more people to use the service (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lasting-and-enduring-power-of-attorney-fees-are-changing).

Certainly, if you would like further information on Lasting Powers of Attorney we are always happy to help and invite you to make an appointment with us for a free, friendly chat.

Tim Male

Hyde office: 0161 368 631               Ashton office: 0161 330 2875

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article

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