How to Choose Your Attorneys
Choose Your Champions: A Guide to LPA Attorneys ⭐️
Let's be honest - picking someone to make decisions about your life isn't exactly your average Tuesday task. But choosing the right attorneys for your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your future wellbeing. Let's break down everything you need to know!
What Exactly Does an Attorney Do? 🤔
Think of your attorneys as your personal backup singers - except instead of harmonising, they're making important decisions about your life when you can't.
They might need to:
Manage your bank accounts and investments
Make decisions about your medical care
Choose where you live if you need care
Handle your bills and property
The Golden Rules for Choosing Your Attorneys ⭐
1. Trust is Everything
This isn't just about picking your bestie - it's about choosing someone who'll make decisions in YOUR best interests, even if that means going against what others want. Your attorneys need to be:
Completely trustworthy
Good with managing money (for the financial LPA)
Level-headed under pressure
Able to understand your wishes and values
2. Consider the Practical Stuff
Your dream attorney might be your amazing Gran, but practical considerations matter:
Age: Choose at least one younger attorney as backup
Location: Have at least someone nearby who can handle things more easily
Time: Do they have capacity to help when needed?
Skills: Are they good with paperwork and decisions?
3. Mix It Up (Maybe)
Having different attorneys for different LPAs can work brilliantly:
Property and Financial Affairs: Maybe your accountant sister
Health and Welfare: Perhaps your partner who knows your medical wishes
You can have as many attorneys as you wish, though we recommend around four
Red Flags to Watch For 🚩
Avoid choosing attorneys who:
Are struggling with their own finances (if someone has been made bankrupt they are not allowed to be your financial attorney)
Have conflicts of interest
Live permanently abroad unless there’s another attorney based locally
Might cause family drama
Are just too busy to help when needed
Pro Tips from Our Experience 💡
Have the Chat Early
Don't surprise someone with attorney duties! Have an open conversation about what it involves and make sure they're up for it.
Choose Multiple Attorneys
We recommend naming at least two attorneys (plus replacements). This spreads the responsibility and provides backup.
Be Clear About How They Work Together
Decide if your attorneys should act:
Jointly (all must agree)
Jointly and severally (can act independently)
Jointly for some decisions, separately for others (we recommend choosing the big decisions you want everyone aligned on: selling the family home, putting you into care, turning off life support etc)
The Conversation Starter 💭
Not sure how to ask someone? Try this:
"I'm sorting out my Lasting Power of Attorney and I trust you to make decisions for me if I ever can't. Would you be willing to be my attorney?"
What Next?
Getting your LPA sorted doesn't have to be complicated. At AWAY Wills, we guide you through every step, making sure your attorneys have everything they need to support you properly.
Ready to get your LPA sorted? Book a chat with us - we'll help you make the right choices for your situation, explained in plain English (no legal jargon in sight! 🎉).
