Nobody wants to think about a time when they can’t make their own decisions. But sorting out a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) now means someone you trust can step in if you need them to.
Our Power of Attorney solicitors in Manchester, Sale and Chester help you set up, register and manage Lasting Powers of Attorney. We also step in when there are disputes or questions about how an LPA should work.
Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney
We help you create a health and welfare LPA so someone you trust can make decisions about your medical care and living arrangements if you can’t. We also set up property and financial affairs LPAs, which let your attorney manage your money, property and bills. Our Lasting Power of Attorney solicitors walk you through what each type covers, who to appoint, and how to register everything with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
Mirror LPAs for couples
We help couples set up mirror LPAs, where you each appoint the other as your attorney. It’s a straightforward way for partners to look after each other’s interests if one of you loses capacity.
General Power of Attorney
We also prepare general Powers of Attorney for when you need someone to act for you temporarily, perhaps while you’re abroad or recovering from an illness. Unlike an LPA, a general Power of Attorney only works while you still have mental capacity.
How the Power of Attorney process works
Initial conversation
We meet you (in person, by phone, or video) to work out what type of LPA you need, who you want to appoint, and whether you need any restrictions or guidance written in. Most initial meetings take about 45 minutes.
Drafting your LPA
We prepare the LPA documents based on what you’ve told us. We include any specific instructions you want your attorney to follow and make sure everything’s worded clearly.
Signing and witnessing
You sign the LPA in front of a certificate provider (someone who confirms you understand what you’re doing) and a witness. Your attorney also needs to sign. We guide you through the signing order, as getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons the OPG rejects applications, so we make sure it’s done properly.
Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian
We submit your LPA to the OPG for registration. This takes around 8-10 weeks, though it can be longer during busy periods. You can use a property and financial affairs LPA as soon as it’s registered. A health and welfare LPA only comes into effect if you lose capacity.
What happens once it’s registered
Your attorney can start acting (if needed). We’re here if questions come up about what your attorney can or can’t do, or if circumstances change and you need to update or cancel the LPA.
Why choose Slater Heelis as your Lasting Power of Attorney solicitors
Recognised excellence you can trust
We’re listed in The Times Best Law Firms, and The Legal 500 recognises us as one of the leading firms in the North West. With over 1,400 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors, our clients trust us enough to recommend us to their families and friends.
Specialists in later life planning
Our Court of Protection and private client team brings together lawyers, experienced caseworkers and specialist paralegals, giving you access to a breadth of expertise that goes beyond what a traditional solicitor-only team can offer. Several members hold active membership of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), professional bodies that set higher standards for advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney, deputyship and inheritance planning.
Full-service support when other issues come up
Setting up an LPA often brings up questions about wills, inheritance tax planning, or what happens to jointly owned property. As a full-service firm, we can bring in our Wills and Probate, Family Law and Property teams when needed. You won’t be left coordinating advice from multiple firms.
National scale, proven expertise
Slater Heelis is part of Lawfront, a national group of regional law firms. Together, our private client teams total almost 180 specialists and hold 7 Legal 500 rankings nationally, including 3 Tier 1
Ready to discuss your needs with our team? Our LPA solicitors in Sale, Manchester and Chester are ready to support you through the process.
Our offices in Manchester, Sale, and Chester are open for face-to-face meetings, and we also work with clients across the UK, with meetings at other locations available by appointment. We’ll keep you informed, handle the paperwork, and help you protect the interests of the person you’re looking after.
Frequently Asked Questions about Powers of Attorney
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one for health and care decisions, and one for property and financial affairs.
Do I need both types of Lasting Power of Attorney?
It depends on your circumstances, but we usually recommend having both. A property and financial affairs LPA covers money and assets. A health and welfare LPA covers medical treatment and care decisions. They serve different purposes and can’t substitute for each other.
What's the difference between a general Power of Attorney and a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A general Power of Attorney only works while you have mental capacity, it’s for temporary situations like going abroad. A Lasting Power of Attorney continues if you lose capacity, which is why it’s essential for long-term planning.
Who can I choose as my attorney?
You can appoint anyone over 18 who has mental capacity. Most people choose family members or close friends. For property and financial LPAs, your attorney can’t be bankrupt. You can appoint more than one attorney and decide whether they act jointly or independently.
How long does it take to register a Lasting Power of Attorney?
The Office of the Public Guardian takes around 8-10 weeks to register an LPA, though it can be longer during busy periods. You can’t use the LPA until it’s registered.
Can I do Power of Attorney without a solicitor?
Yes, but mistakes in how LPAs are filled in or signed are common, and the OPG will reject forms that aren’t completed properly. Using a solicitor means it’s done right first time and saves delays.
How much does a solicitor charge for Power of Attorney?
Our fees for setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney typically cost £650 plus VAT for one, £975 plus VAT for two and £1495 plus VAT for four, depending on complexity. This includes drafting the document, advising on who to appoint, and checking everything’s ready for registration. The Office of the Public Guardian also charges a £92 registration fee per LPA.
When does a health and welfare LPA come into effect?
A health and welfare LPA only comes into effect when you’ve lost mental capacity to make those specific decisions yourself. Until then, you make your own healthcare choices. A property and financial affairs LPA can be used as soon as it’s registered if you’ve given permission.
Can I change or cancel my Lasting Power of Attorney?
Yes, you can revoke an LPA at any time while you still have mental capacity. You need to complete a deed of revocation, tell your attorney, and notify the Office of the Public Guardian if the LPA is already registered.
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