Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors.

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a vital legal document which appoints a person of trust who will make decisions on your behalf, regarding property, financial or health affairs, at a time in the future when you may no longer be able to make those decisions yourself.

We may not wish to think about what will happen to us if we lose the mental capacity to make decisions about our welfare and finances. Life has, however, already taught us that it’s imperative that we make clear plans for our future.

Who you would like to make those important decisions for you and how you wish to be cared for – these are things to which we should attach great importance. And these wishes are only deemed legal if they are carefully put into effect in the correct legal instrument ahead of time.

We can help you to make a lasting power of attorney tailored to your needs, to give you peace of mind that your interests will be fully protected in the future.

For more information on making a lasting power of attorney contact our team today by phone or complete our enquiry form and we’ll call you back.

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Key Contact

Kate is a specialist in working with clients to ensure you have the correct lasting powers of attorney (LPA) in place. She can help you put an LPA in place for either health and welfare concerns or for your financial affairs. You will then be able to trust that your interests will be protected in the future.

Kate Lawson
Kate Lawson
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) – is a document which allows you legally to designate one or more people to control your affairs if you find yourself in a position where you cannot do so yourself. This could be the result of injury, illness or a degenerative condition commonly associated with old age.

Before October 2007, a Power of Attorney that could last the incapacity of the person who granted it was known as an Enduring Power of Attorney.

There are two kinds of LPA: Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs.

It may make you feel uncomfortable to think of yourself in a situation in which you can no longer make your own decisions. However, having an LPA in place reassures you that people you trust can make decisions on your behalf should the need ever arise.

The LPA can be activated if you lack mental capacity. This means you do not have the ability to make a particular decision that has to be made at a certain time.

At Lanyon Bowdler, we can help you put an LPA in place for either health and welfare concerns or for your financial affairs. You will then be able to trust that your interests will be protected in the future.

If you require further advice on how to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, contact us today and speak to one of our friendly lawyers.

 

Health & Welfare LPAs

This is required if you lose mental capacity. It covers decision making such as:

  • where you live if your home is no longer suitable
  • medical care
  • life-saving treatment decisions

For your LPA to be activated (so that your attorneys can actually make decisions on your behalf in circumstances where you no longer can) it has first to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.

 

Property & Financial Affairs LPAs

If you authorise, this can be activated when you are still mentally capable but want some assistance concerning your financial affairs.

You can control what decisions are made on your behalf. If you wish, your attorney can be asked to make all of your financial decisions.

Some of the financial decisions covered:

  • payment of bills
  • buying/selling property
  • mortgage payments
  • collecting any benefits on your behalf
  • making an investment
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Our Lasting Power of Attorney Expertise

The LPA Solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler are highly skilled in this area of the law, and can help you draft and enforce a Lasting Power of Attorney that serves you and your needs. Contact us today.

Legal 500 recommendation

The 2025 edition of the Legal 500 recommends the Lanyon Bowdler team and ranks the department in Tier 2 for the West Midlands.

Chambers UK

The 2025 edition of Chambers UK ranks the team in Band 1 for Shrewsbury and the surrounds and says: ‘The team advises clients on trusts, estate planning and administration, tax planning, contentious probate and powers of attorney.’

Strengths:

“Lanyon Bowdler are very responsive, especially to our questions, and they are also transparent regarding timelines. I am thrilled with their service; it is excellent.”

“The service at Lanyon Bowdler is excellent. They are coherent, they give clear information and they are trustworthy.”

“All aspects of Lanyon Bowdler are impressive. The lawyers and team were very responsive. We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.”

Your Lasting Power of Attorney questions answered

Why should I set up a Lasting Power of Attorney?

If you lose your mental capacity, and have not already set up an LPA, then your loved ones will be required to apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy. This is a long, expensive process.

Instead, you can designate a relative or friend, and then set up an LPA. You can nominate one or more persons to act on your behalf and decide how they can work together.

You may think that you are currently in perfect health and this does not affect you. What you must remember is that the LPA can only be set up when you have mental capacity. If you lose your capacity, then sadly, it’s too late.

Can I cancel an LPA?

If you have mental capacity, you can cancel your Lasting Power of Attorney at any time.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

Making a will can be a minefield of mixed emotions and an overload of information and choices as there are so many options, and prices. In the end we decided to go with Lanyon Bowdler and contacted them for a consultation. We were completely impressed with their professionalism and customer service also the way the look after their clients. Thank you for all your help and patience we would definitely recommend your services.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.

Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors

Power of Attorney – overall satisfaction.

Kathleen
via ReviewSolicitors

We sought guidance and advice on Power of Attorney which was delivered in a most understandable and efficient way. The conclusion and production of same followed in the same manner which pleased us greatly.

Mary
via ReviewSolicitors

All the staff at your Bromyard branch are a credit to your company!

Mrs Hughes
via ReviewSolicitors

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

I felt safe that Lanyon Bowdler understood both my concerns and requirements. I would use again and recommend.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Very professional and approachable. I was updated as to progress regularly. The final costs reflected good value for the service provided.

David Fedrick
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Types of Power of Attorney

There are three different types, each with varying ramifications on what an attorney is able to do and when they are allowed to act on behalf of the donor.

General Powers of Attorney are legal documents which let you (as the Donor of the Power of Attorney) choose a person or people to make financial decisions on your behalf.

They are effective while the donor has mental capacity. If the donor loses his or her mental capacity, the General Power of Attorney is deemed ineffective.

These are usually set up for when decisions have to be taken on your behalf on a short-term basis. It is not a requirement for them to be registered formally.

EPAs – Enduring Powers of Attorney – in terms of their registration requirements have similarities to General Powers of Attorney.

As with a General Power of Attorney they can also be used by the attorney whilst the donor has mental capacity at the Donor’s direction; the difference is that with an EPA the attorney is allowed to make decisions when the Donor can no longer do so themselves. In this situation, the attorney must register the EPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Even though existing correctly executed EPAs are still valid, they are less common now – you could only create them before October 2007.

Following October 2007, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) replaced the Enduring Power of Attorney. An LPA allows you to designate attorneys and also substitute attorneys to make decisions about your property and financial affairs; as well as health and welfare concerns. LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before being used; and, similar to EPAs, the attorney is authorised to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity.

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Contact Lanyon Bowdler

Our team will be able to answer all your questions and guide you through what needs doing and when.

We will talk you through the process at each stage, in uncomplicated and jargon-free language, enabling you to reach the right conclusions and know that all aspects have been dealt with in the right way.

Please call or use the online contact form and a member of the team will get in touch directly.

Lanyon Bowdler have offices with expert teams of lawyers in HerefordBromyardShrewsburyLudlowOswestryTelford, and Conwy in North Wales.

We are one of the most recognised law firms in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham and the Midlands. We are able to offer a wide range of pricing options including fixed fees and service level guarantees.

As a leading law firm, we regularly act for clients on a wide range of legal work concerning wills, trust and administration of estates. We can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.

Our people

Meet the team.

Edward Rees
Edward Rees
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
David Pugh
David Pugh
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Karl Beckett
Karl Beckett
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Kevin Thomas
Kevin Thomas
Partner
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Alex Nash
Alex Nash
Legal Assistant
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Louise Browne
Louise Browne
Legal Assistant
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Dani Sharma
Dani Sharma
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Clare Jones
Clare Jones
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Kelly Hughes
Kelly Hughes
Trainee Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Emma Deering
Emma Deering
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Georgina Hughes
Georgina Hughes
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Vanessa Ford
Vanessa Ford
Legal Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Clare Boote
Clare Boote
Legal Secretary
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Sophie Burgoyne
Sophie Burgoyne
Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Charles Almond
Charles Almond
Consultant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Sioned Williams
Sioned Williams
Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Alys Jones
Alys Jones
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Nicola Smith
Nicola Smith
Legal Support Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Nicole Cousins
Nicole Cousins
Trainee Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Estate Planning | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Julie Langford
Julie Langford
Legal Assistant
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Kate Lawson
Kate Lawson
Partner
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Jan Hope
Jan Hope
Legal Secretary
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Val Howard
Val Howard
Legal Secretary
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Aimee Johnson
Aimee Johnson
Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Angharad Hird
Angharad Hird
Associate Solicitor
Wills & Probate | Lasting Powers of Attorney | Estate Planning
Knowledge

Latest knowledge.

Podcast icon Podcast

LISTEN AGAIN: Financial Abuse by Attorneys – Edward Rees and Claire Vale

We talk about the role of an attorney. Attorneys manage the estate of a donor whilst they're still alive and Claire is s...
Published • 19 Aug 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

The Cost of Dying – Edward Rees and Sophie Burgoyne

We look at the increased cost of dying and the changes in the certification of death, which includes the increased cost ...
Published • 05 Aug 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

How Lasting Powers of Attorney are Needed before Moving into a Care Home – Kate Lawson and Ann Rose

Ann stresses the importance of having lasting power of attorney in place, ideally before the need for care arises and ho...
Published • 22 Jul 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Estates and Farming Disputes – Edward Rees and Claire Vale

We discuss the various types of farming disputes affecting the estates of farmers, sharing a few scenarios, including on...
Published • 28 May 2024
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An Insight into the Charity Connect for Life with Special Guest Alison Humphreys

Kate speaks with Alison from Connect for Life, she explains that the Oswestry based charity supports anyone with memory ...
Published • 14 May 2024
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Mutually Irrevocable Wills and Why You Should Never do Them – Edward Rees and Claire Vale

Mirror wills allow for updates and amendments, which better reflects how lives can change....
Published • 17 Apr 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Should I be a Trustee for a Trust? – Edward Rees and Aimee Johnson

Edward & Aimee discuss the various types of trusts, pointing out what you'd potentially be responsible for as a trustee....
Published • 09 Apr 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Financial Abuse by Attorneys – Edward Rees and Claire Vale

Attorneys manage the estate of a donor whilst they're still alive and Claire is seeing an increase in financial abuse wh...
Published • 01 Apr 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

I Just Want a Simple Will! – Emma Deering and Sioned Williams

People often contact us saying "I just need a simple will!" But often it turns out not to be the case. ...
Published • 25 Mar 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Neil and Edward Rip Into & Expose the New Powers of Attorney Act

Edward and Neil are reunited (and it feels so good)! They rip into the Powers of Attorney Act 2023, and manage to find p...
Published • 05 Feb 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Understanding The Probate Pathway – Edward Rees and Aimee Johnson

Aimee and Edward discuss the probate process and the administration of someone's estate after death....
Published • 29 Jan 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Myth Busters: Death! – Edward Rees and Aimee Johnson

Edward and Aimee dispel common misconceptions relating to wills, administration of estates and lasting powers of attorne...
Published • 08 Jan 2024
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