Lasting Power of Attorney
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows Jersey domiciled residents (known as the “Donor”) to appoint another person (known as the ‘Attorney’) to help manage and make decisions on their behalf.
The opportunity to make provisions for the future and cover the possibility of becoming incapable of managing your own personal affairs has become increasingly more important as it is now widely understood that the risk of mental incapacity issues has increased with the population’s longer life expectancy. It is also impossible to predict what state of health we will find ourselves in the future, or to know whether we will suffer an accident or illness which depletes our ability to look after ourselves. Given this uncertainty we recommend that everyone, no matter what your age or circumstances, makes an LPA.
If you have been diagnosed with a potentially life-changing illness or condition we strongly recommend that you consider making LPAs. If this opportunity is missed and you lose capacity before signing an LPA, the court will appoint someone to act on your behalf. The decision of who to appoint lies with the court and this may not be the person you would have appointed as your Attorney. The person appointed is known as a delegate and the court will decide what powers the Delegate is to have. For further information on this subject please visit our Delegations section.
What types of LPAs are there?
There are two types of lasting power of attorney that can be made. The first type of LPA deals with your personal property and finances, known as a Property and Affairs LPA. The second deals with your personal health and welfare needs.
Viberts caters for all individuals who wish to put in place an LPA. From witnessing pre-completed forms, to completing the forms on your behalf. If you require assistance with the preparation of your LPA application forms please contact us.