Lasting Power of Attorney
Lasting Power of Attorney is a new provision created by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It is the legal document which states that a third party is able to have control over someone’s affairs, including decisions about finances, care and welfare, once the person lacks the capacity. Lasting Power of Attorney must be set up whilst the older person still has capacity to make the decision about who they would like to have this control. It is important that the person you choose to have Lasting Power of Attorney is someone you trust to act in your best interests once you are unable to make informed decisions. Lasting Power of Attorney came into effect in October 2007. See also Enduring Power of Attorney and Power of Attorney.