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Lasting Powers of Attorney FAQs

A power of attorney is a legal document that appoints someone – your attorney – to make decisions on your behalf.

There may be a time when you can no longer make or communicate your own decisions. Having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place can save considerable time and costs if the worst should happen – so it’s worth considering now.

Partner and Head of Private Client at RIAA Barker Gillette (UK), James McMullan, answers Cacy Neilson, of Dragon Argent‘s most popular questions on Lasting Powers of Attorney to empower you to make informed decisions about your future.

All FAQs
Why should we have an LPA in place?
Another good reason for having an LPA…
Are UK LPAs valid abroad?
At what point do your attorneys step in?
Business LPAs
Do you have to have an LPA in place with a will?
Does an attorney have to be a solicitor?
Enduring powers of attorney
Health & Welfare LPAs
How do I raise an objection to an LPA being registered?
How does a family member know that an LPA has been registered?
Preventing abuse
Replacement attorneys
Types of power of attorney
What obligations are there on attorneys under an LPA?
What options are available in the interim before an LPA is in place?
What types of LPA appointments are there?
When should I put an LPA in place?

Note: These FAQs are not legal advice; they provide information of general interest about Lasting Powers of Attorney.

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What they say...

  • Rahul Khanna, October 2026
    Thank you – excellent service “Thank you so much to Qaiser, Vinay and Alex, who were extremely helpful throughout a long-running and complex matter. I really appreciated their clear advice and support.”

  • Client, October 2026
    Feedback “I engaged Karen Cole at RIAA Barker Gillette to support me through a grievance process and help me navigate discussions with my employer. From the outset, Karen provided clear, pragmatic advice and took the time to explain my options,

  • Bryan E, September 2026
    Absolutely outstanding “This firm is super professional, efficient and friendly at the same time. You could not wish for a better service. I have used them for my Will and a range of other matters over many years. I’ve found all the vario

  • Jan Norris, September 2026
    Excellent Service “Charlotte Barbaroussis has prepared our wills, LPAs and a discretionary trust. She was professional, kind and patient throughout. A very fine person to have looking after us.”

  • Brian Nunan, August 2026
    “I dealt with the group for many years, and no matter which solicitor I used, the results were always the same. Excellent!”

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