In an aging population, an increasing number of people are likely to become physically or mentally dependent and there is a growing need for Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). LPAs were introduced in 2007 to replace the previous system of Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) but EPAs created before October 2007 are still valid and may require registration.
A Lasting Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the power to act on your behalf if you aren’t able to. Appointing Attorneys helps ensure your affairs are reasonably well managed and allows you to decide how much authority your Attorneys should have and whether you want to impose any restrictions on that power.
One is designed to deal with Property & Financial Affairs and gives your Attorneys authority to deal with buying and selling your property, managing your bill payments and dealing with your bank accounts and investments.
The other is for Health & Welfare, which covers health and care decisions and can only be used when a person is no longer capable of making these decisions themselves.
A Lasting Power of Attorney cannot be used until it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. The registration process can take many weeks and there is usually a Court Fee to pay per registration. If your circumstances change or you wish to appoint new Attorneys, you may be able to revoke the LPA and make a new one.
The consequences of failing to make such a Power while you are sufficiently fit and able are often: huge delay, inconvenience, distress and expense to your nearest and dearest who have to apply to the Court of Protection to become your Deputy with the necessary powers to deal with your property and pay your bills, which can cost thousands and incur months of delay.
We can also assist you with drafting a Living Will which clarifies such things as how you would wish to be medically treated should you be totally incapacitated by accident or illness from making decisions yourself.
Please Contact Us for more information on what’s involved, what the costs are and how we can help you.
With nearly a decade of legal practice at respected firms such as Hine Solicitors, Coffin Mew (now Knights plc) and Dutton Gregory. Peter brings deep expertise in conveyancing and property law. He also serves as the Managing Director of Clutton Cox, a specialist conveyancing firm in based just outside Bristol.
Peter’s leadership is defined by a strategic focus on client care, operational excellence, as well as rapid but sustained growth. Calm under pressure and resolutely outcomes-driven, he remains actively involved in the day-to-day management of the firm, ensuring Kings Solicitors delivers a consistently high standard of legal service.
For years, Clutton Cox has built a wonderful reputation as a trusted, specialist conveyancing practice. By bringing the Clutton Cox name under the wider Kings Solicitors regulatory and operational umbrella, we are combining deep local heritage with the strength, advanced systems and support of a rapidly growing regional practice.
If you currently have an ongoing property transaction with Clutton Cox, absolutely nothing changes regarding the day-to-day handling of your move.
Your team remains the same: You will continue to deal with the exact same dedicated conveyancers you know and trust.
Zero disruption: Your file continues seamlessly without interruption.
Local presence: The local brand presence, contact numbers, and friendly high-street service remain exactly where they are.
Complete security: All legal services and client funds are fully ring-fenced and protected under the single, robust regulatory umbrella of Kings – Solicitors Limited (regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority).
Expanding our local offering: Introducing Wills, Probate & LPAs
While specialist conveyancing remains at the absolute core of the Clutton Cox name, this integration gives us the immediate capacity to grow. We are pleased to announce that we are actively expanding the Chipping Sodbury branch to introduce a dedicated Private Client offering and moving forward, existing and new clients will be able to access specialist advice on Wills, Probate, and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) directly through their trusted local hub – filling a much-needed gap for comprehensive family estate planning in the local area.
Stronger together
By integrating our teams, we have removed capacity barriers and ensured our staff have the extended support they need to deliver an exceptional, stress-free service.
Whether we are helping you buy your first home, move up the property ladder, or protect your family’s future assets, our combined practice is stronger, more flexible, and better equipped than ever to serve you.
We want to thank all of our clients, local estate agency partners, and professional contacts for their continued trust, and we look forward to working with you in this exciting next chapter.”
