A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you, when capable, to provide a structure to deal with your affairs should you become incapable of dealing with them yourself in the future as a result of illness or accident.
It allows you to authorise someone to look after your property and financial affairs, such as running bank accounts, signing cheques, or dealing with property to be let or sold. The benefit of a Lasting Power of Attorney is that it will continue to have legal effect notwithstanding any subsequent loss of mental capacity.
Deputyship If you become incapable of dealing with your own affairs and an Enduring/Lasting Power of Attorney has not been signed, a Deputy will have to be appointed to deal with your affairs on your behalf. This a more complex, costly and lengthy procedure by the Court.