Lasting Power of Attorney in Warrington, Cheshire
Have you considered taking out a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Whilst it is normal for us to take good health for granted, it is wise to make provision for the unexpected.
More and more people are seeing the benefits of having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, whether for reasons of necessity or simply convenience.
In the same way as a Will does, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) will give you peace of mind and reassurance that the future – whatever it brings – is taken care of.
With an LPA if you are unable to manage your affairs yourself, perhaps because of a physical illness, accident or a condition such as Alzheimer’s, someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf. This person is called an ‘Attorney.’
It is important to emphasise that your Attorney must be someone you trust - usually it will be a spouse or close family member such as an adult child. You can choose more than one attorney who can either act independently of each other or together. Your Attorney has a duty ALWAYS to act in your best interests and it is a responsibility that must not be taken lightly.
You must have mental capacity at the time you enter into a Lasting Power of Attorney but if there is any doubt (eg you are in the early stages of dementia) it will be necessary to obtain confirmation of mental capacity from your doctor or consultant. We can liaise with your doctor on your behalf should you wish us to do so (this will incur a small additional fee).
We can also assist you with revoking a previous LPA provided you still have mental capacity.
Home visits in Warrington and the surrounding areas can be arranged at no additional cost.
Whilst it is normal for us to take good health for granted, it is wise to make provision for the unexpected.
If you wish to discuss takng out an LPA Call Diane for free confidential advice 01925 937070
There are two different types of Lasting Power of Attorney.
You can choose one or both, depending on your individual circumstances:
Property and Financial Affairs
This LPA authorises your Attorney to manage anything that relates to your property and financial matters. Many people assume that if they become incapacitated their spouse, partner or children would be able to make decisions and transactions on their behalf, however this is not the case.
In the absence of an LPA your relatives may have to make an application to the Court of Protection to become a Deputy which would give them the legal right to make decisions on your behalf. This process is lengthier and substantially more expensive than an LPA.
With a Property and Financial Affairs LPA your Attorney can make payments from your bank account, receive benefits on your behalf, receive bank statements and pay your bills and expenses.
Without an LPA you may find that your bank account is frozen.- and this can be the case even with joint bank accounts.
If you would like to discuss making a Power of Attorney call Diane on 01925 937070, email info@dsmlegal or Request a Call Back.
Please don't leave it too late as they ou must have mental capacity at the time of making the LPA. Once mental capacity is lost it is not possible to make an LPA and instead an application to the Court of Protection will be necessary - a lengthy and expensive process.
Health and Welfare
This type of LPA allows your Attorney to make decisions that affect your personal health and welfare if you are unable to make those decisions yourself. For example, your Attorney can make decisions about medical and life-sustaining treatment. Your Attorney(s) must always act in your best interests and it is important to ensure therefore that they are fully aware of your wishes. A Health and Welfare LPA can be used to achieve this.
Your LPA in four easy steps:
1. Call 01925 937070 or email us at info@dsmlegal.co.uk to arrange a free consultation. You can also Request a Call Back.
2. We will advise on your LPA, take your instructions and draft the application on your behalf.
3. We will witness your signature and act as your certicate provider. This is an important safeguard to protect you. We will then arange for your Attorney(s) to sign the forms.
4. After checking whether you may be eligible for exemption from Court fees, we will register your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian. We will complete an application for exemption if you qualify - at no extra cost.
We promise that there are no hidden fees. The fees we quote are the fees you will pay.
Why use DSM Legal Solicitors?
We cover Warrington, Widnes, Runcorn and St Helens.
We offer a caring, personal service with fixed fees tailored to your requirements.
Free initial telephone consultation to discuss your requirements.
Home, care home and hospital visits by arrangement.
Established in 2003
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
We provide:
Home, hospital and care home visits
Preparation of the Lasting Power of Attorney;
Completion of the Certificate Provider’s statement;
Witnessing of your signature;
Witnessing your Attorney’s signature(s);
Registering the LPA(s) with the Office of the Public Guardian;
A certified copy of the LPA *
*Additional fees apply - let us know what your requirements are, and we will provide you
with full details.
Is there a registration fee payable?
There is a registration fee for the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) of £92.00 (as of 17 November 2025), which may be reduced or waived by the OPG if you are in receipt of certain welfare benefits.
We offer a discount of £100.00 if you take out both the LPA for Property and Financial Affairs and LPA for Health and Welfare at the same time.
Contact DSM Legal Solicitors on 01925 937070 to speak a solicitor or email info@dsmlegal.co.uk for more information. There is one hour free on street car parking outside the office an nearby.