A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document enabling you to appoint one or more people to assist you in making decisions or to make decisions on your behalf. LPAs were introduced in October 2007 and replaced the Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA). EPAs made prior to October 2007 remain valid, however, the content here relates to LPAs only. The information which follows derives from government websites and concerns England and Wales only.

There are two types of LPA:

1. Health and Welfare LPA:  gives an attorney power to make decisions relating to matters such as; your daily routine (e.g washing, dressing, eating); medical care; moving into care and life-sustaining treatment.  A health and welfare LPA can only be used when you are unable to make decisions for yourself.
2. Property and financial affairs LPA: gives an attorney power to make decisions relating to money and property including matters such as; managing a bank or building society account; paying bills; collecting benefits or a pension and selling your home.

Attorneys appointed under an LPA must act in the best interests of the individual. This is particularly important as an attorney may be dealing with financial matters including spending money and/or making decisions about your property and assets.