Family Law

The Office of the Public Guardian has produced guidance for people considering acting for someone under a lasting power of attorney.

The new leaflets are brief guides to what’s involved in being an attorney under a lasting power of attorney (LPA) and contain information on either health and welfare or property and financial affairs, including:

• learning more about the person to whom the LPA relates;
• how to help them to make decisions;
• understanding the legal responsibilities of an attorney; and
• dealing with other people and organisations on behalf of someone else.

Prospective attornies can also look at the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice, which explains in detail what attornies can and can’t do.

The leaflets

Getting Started as Attorney: Health and Welfare contains practical advice on:

• understanding the likes and dislikes of the person;
• helping them to make decisions;
• involving friends and family; and
• dealing with health and social care staff.

Getting Started as Attorney: Property and Financial Affairs contains practical advice on:

• understanding how the person prefers to spend and save;
• helping them to make decisions;
• involving friends and family; and
• dealing with banks and other companies.