None of us can predict the future, but we can take steps to protect ourselves and those we care about. A lasting power of attorney (LPA) gives you the legal tools to stay in control, even if illness or injury affects your ability to make decisions. It’s a precaution that can make a huge difference.

At Marley Solicitors, we support clients in Skelmersdale and nearby areas to put the right legal documents in place. Whether you’re planning ahead for later life or managing a long-term health condition, having an LPA ensures that your voice is never lost.

What does an LPA really mean?

A lasting power of attorney is a legal arrangement that allows you to give someone else the authority to act for you if you’re unable to make decisions in the future. This could be due to an accident, a serious illness, or a condition like dementia.

The person you appoint becomes your attorney, and they can make decisions either about your health and personal welfare, your money and property, or both – depending on which type of LPA you create.

These documents are legally binding, and your attorney can only act when the LPA has been properly registered. Importantly, you stay in charge unless or until you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself.

The two types of LPA

There are two separate kinds of lasting power of attorney. You can choose to set up one or both, depending on your circumstances.

Health and welfare

This LPA gives your lawyer the authority to decide on:

Your daily care, such as meals and routines
Medical treatment and hospital care
Where you live (e.g. whether you move into care)
Life-sustaining treatment, if you lose the ability to decide for yourself

This type of LPA only takes effect once you’re no longer able to make decisions yourself.

Property and financial affairs

This covers:

Managing your bank accounts
Paying bills and dealing with benefits
Selling your home, if needed
Handling any financial responsibilities

This LPA can be used while you still have capacity, if you choose. For example, if mobility issues make it difficult for you to manage tasks in person, your attorney can assist.

Why local residents in Skelmersdale are acting sooner

Many people in Skelmersdale think of LPAs as something to deal with later in life. But more and more individuals in their 40s and 50s are choosing to plan ahead.

Here’s why people are taking early action:

They’ve seen loved ones struggle without one
They want clarity about who can help in future
They’re managing conditions that may affect capacity later
They want to reduce legal complexity for their families

Planning early avoids problems later. With an LPA, you stay in control by choosing who makes decisions for you – not the courts, and not by chance.

What happens if you don’t have an LPA?

Without an LPA, no one automatically has the legal right to make decisions for you. Not your partner, not your children, not even your parents.

If you lose capacity and haven’t appointed anyone, your family or friends must apply to the Court of Protection. This process can take months, and there’s no guarantee the person appointed would be the one you’d have chosen.

In the meantime:

Bills may go unpaid
You may receive care that doesn’t reflect your preferences
Stress and tension may grow among family members
Your financial affairs could be frozen

Creating an LPA prevents these issues and ensures your wishes are followed.

Choosing the right attorney

Your attorney should be someone you trust completely. They don’t need legal training, but they do need to act responsibly and in your best interests.

Many people choose a:

Spouse or partner
Adult child
Trusted friend
Professional such as a solicitor

You can appoint more than one attorney and even name replacement attorneys in case someone can’t act when needed.

You also decide how they make decisions. For example, do you want them to act together or independently? Should one person manage finances and another manage health matters? You remain in charge of these choices.

Setting up an LPA in Skelmersdale: How it works

The process of creating an LPA is straightforward with the right guidance. At Marley Solicitors, we support clients from start to finish.

Here’s how we help Skelmersdale clients through the process:

Step 1: Initial consultation

We meet with you to explain the types of LPAs and what each one involves. This can happen at our office or at your home, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Drafting your documents

We’ll help you complete the official LPA forms accurately and clearly. This includes any instructions or preferences you want to add.

Step 3: Signing and witnessing

The documents must be signed by you, your chosen attorney(s), and a certificate provider – someone who confirms you understand what you’re signing. We’ll coordinate this and ensure it’s done correctly.

Step 4: Registration

We send the documents to the Office of the Public Guardian. They review and register the LPA, which typically takes around 12–20 weeks.

Once registered, the LPA can be used as and when it’s needed.

Tailoring your LPA to reflect your values

An LPA doesn’t have to be a generic legal form. You can customise it to reflect your views, routines, and expectations.

For example, you can:

Set out specific wishes for your care
Provide guidance on where you’d like to live
Detail how finances should be managed
Say who should be consulted in certain decisions

These additions make the LPA truly yours and give your attorney(s) clear direction.

Can an LPA be updated?

Yes. As long as you still have mental capacity, you can:

Cancel your LPA completely
Appoint new attorneys
Add or change instructions

Major life changes like divorce, bereavement, or relocation are good reasons to review your documents.

If your situation has changed and you live in or near Skelmersdale, Marley Solicitors can help you amend your existing arrangements or start afresh.

Why work with Marley Solicitors?

Choosing a local solicitor makes the process simpler and more personal. At Marley Solicitors, we’ve supported many Skelmersdale clients in setting up LPAs that reflect their real lives and values.

Here’s what we offer:

Clear, jargon-free advice
In-person and remote appointments
Home visits across Skelmersdale
Fixed pricing with no hidden costs
Full handling of the registration process

We believe in giving you confidence and control without unnecessary complexity.

Local insight, lasting protection

Whether you live near Witham Road, Birch Green, or Sandy Lane, our team is familiar with the needs of Skelmersdale residents. We know how important it is to feel supported by professionals who understand the local area and community.

We’ve worked with people from all walks of life; from retirees planning for peace of mind to younger adults living with long-term conditions. Whatever your reason for planning ahead, we’re here to help you do it with confidence.

Take the next step today

Creating a lasting power of attorney is not just a legal task, it’s a decision to protect your future and your family’s peace of mind.

If you’re based in Skelmersdale and want expert help in putting your wishes into writing, Marley Solicitors is ready to guide you. Whether it’s your first step or time to update old documents, we offer support every step of the way.

Skelmersdale

Lasting power of attorney: Ensuring your wishes are honoured in Skelmersdale