Arranging a lasting power of attorney is a very personal matter, and most people would rather sit down with someone face to face than deal with it entirely at arm’s length. That is why so many searches begin with ‘lasting power of attorney solicitors near me’. You want a firm that is easy to reach, that will make time for you, and that goes over and above to put you at ease. This article explains what a lasting power of attorney does, and how we make our service accessible to clients across Merseyside, Cheshire ,and North Wales, including at home if that suits you better.
To speak to our experts, please call us free of charge on 0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.
What Is A Lasting Power Of Attorney?
A lasting power of attorney, usually shortened to LPA, is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to make them yourself. The people you appoint are known as your attorneys, which in this context means those acting for you rather than lawyers.
There are two types of LPA. One covers property and financial affairs, dealing with matters such as your bank accounts, bills, pensions and, if necessary, the sale of your home. The other covers health and welfare, dealing with your medical treatment, day to day care, and where you live. You can put one in place or both, and you decide who acts and how they should do so.
Why Does It Help To Have A Solicitor Nearby?
An LPA is not a form to be rushed. It involves decisions about who you would trust with your money and your medical care, and those conversations are far easier in person. Meeting your solicitor lets you ask questions as they occur to you, talk through family circumstances that may be delicate, and be certain that the document reflects what your needs and wants.
There is also the signing stage to consider. An LPA must be completed and witnessed correctly, and the people involved must sign in the right order. Having a solicitor nearby who can guide you through that in person removes the risk of an error that could invalidate the document or delay its registration.
Where Are Our Nearest Offices?
Bartletts Solicitors has offices in Liverpool, Chester ,and Wrexham, which between them cover Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the wider Northwest. Our Liverpool office is on North John Street in the city centre. In Chester we are at 16 Nicholas Street, CH1 2NX, telephone 01244 313 301, and we also have an office on Hoole Road. Our Wrexham office is at 5 Charles Street, LL13 8BT, telephone 01978 360056.
We have been established for more than 160 years and have over 60 staff across those offices, each specialising in their own area of law. For clients in and around Wrexham, we also offer a Welsh language service, so you can discuss your LPA and have it dealt with in Welsh if you would prefer.
Can A Solicitor Visit You At Home?
Yes. We understand that attending an office is not always practical. You may have mobility difficulties, you may not drive, or you may simply be more comfortable discussing personal matters at home. Our solicitors can visit you at home to take your instructions and go through the document with you.
This is often particularly helpful where an LPA is being arranged for an older relative, or where health has already begun to decline and time matters. If a home visit would suit you better, just say so when you contact us and we will gladly arrange one.
What If You Cannot Attend During Working Hours?
Our offices are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm, and we also offer an out of hours service, so there is scope to fit an appointment around work or caring responsibilities. If it is easier to begin with a telephone conversation, that is perfectly fine. We can discuss what you need, explain the process, and answer your questions before you commit to anything.
How Much Does A Lasting Power Of Attorney Cost?
We offer our lasting power of attorney service at a low fixed fee, and we will give you a free, no obligation quotation before you decide to instruct us. Our approach is a transparent fixed fee, which means you know exactly what you will pay from the outset rather than watching a bill build up.
There is a separate registration fee payable to the Office of the Public Guardian for each LPA, since the document must be registered before it can be used. Fees are set by the government and reviewed from time to time, and reductions or exemptions are available to people on a low income or certain benefits. We will confirm the current figure and let you know whether you may qualify for help with it.
How Do You Arrange An Appointment?
If you would like to talk to us about a lasting power of attorney, contact our Liverpool team at newenquiry@bartletts.co.uk, our Chester team at advice@bartletts.co.uk, or telephone our offices in Liverpool, Chester or Wrexham. You are also welcome to make an online enquiry and one of our team will be in touch.
We will explain how the process works, what it will cost, and how long it is likely to take, and we can arrange to see you at whichever office is most convenient, or at your home.
To speak to our experts please call us free of charge on 0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.
