A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental or physical capacity to do so. Choosing the right attorney to handle your LPA is a crucial decision.
The right attorney will ensure that your wishes are respected and your best interests are looked after. Yet, with so many options out there, it can be challenging to know where to start.
In this blog, we will guide you through some essential questions to ask yourself when choosing an attorney for your LPA. These questions will help you assess your needs, understand what to look for in a potential attorney, and make a confident, informed decision.
Whether you’re planning for the future or helping a loved one, this guide will provide you with the clarity you need.
1. Have They Been Lasting Powers of Attorney Before?
When choosing an attorney for your LPA, the first question to ask is whether they have experience as a Lasting Power of Attorney. Experience matters because it ensures that they understand the responsibilities and complexities involved in making crucial decisions on your behalf.
An experienced attorney is likely to be more familiar with the legal processes, better able to handle challenges, and fully equipped to act in your best interests. Asking about their past experience can give you confidence that they are capable and reliable in fulfilling this important role.
2. Do They Understand What Their Responsibilities Will Be?
The second question to ask is whether the person understands what their responsibilities as an attorney will be. It’s important for them to be fully aware of the duties involved, such as managing your finances, making healthcare decisions, and ensuring that your wishes are respected.
They need to be prepared to act in your best interests at all times, making decisions that align with your preferences and values. A clear understanding of these responsibilities is essential to avoid misunderstandings or mistakes. You need to make sure that they are comfortable with these tasks and willing to take on the commitment required to be a dependable attorney. Need help creating an LPA online? Get in touch with our legal experts now.
3. How Do They Approach Difficult Decisions and Dispute Resolution

The third question to consider is how the potential attorney approaches difficult decisions and resolves disputes. Handling an LPA often involves making tough choices, sometimes under stressful conditions. It’s important to choose someone who can stay calm, think clearly, and act decisively.
Ask them how they have handled challenging situations in the past. Do they seek advice, weigh options carefully, and remain objective? Understanding their approach to conflict resolution is also key, as they may need to mediate disagreements among your family members or other parties.
By choosing an attorney with strong decision-making and dispute-resolution skills, you can rest assured that your interests will be well-protected.
4. What is Their Communication Style?
Another essential question to ask is about their communication style. Effective communication is vital for a Lasting Power of Attorney, as they will need to discuss your wishes, explain decisions, and possibly coordinate with healthcare providers or financial institutions.
Find out if they communicate clearly and transparently, and if they are good listeners. They have to be able to keep you and relevant parties informed, answer questions patiently, and ensure that everyone understands the situation.
A good communicator can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your preferences are followed accurately. This will make the process smoother and more reassuring for everyone involved.
5. Do You Need Different Attorneys for the Two LPAs?
The next question to consider is whether you need different attorneys for each type of Lasting Power of Attorney.
There are two types of LPAs: one for health and welfare decisions, and another for property and financial matters. While it’s common to appoint the same person for both, you can choose different individuals if you feel that they have different strengths or if you’d prefer to spread the responsibility.
You’ll have to consider the specific needs and dynamics of your situation when deciding whether to have the same or different attorneys for each LPA. This ensures that you choose the best setup for your circumstances.
6. Do They Know How You Handle Your Finances?
You’ll also need to consider whether your potential attorney knows how you manage your finances. It’s important for them to understand your financial situation, including your income, expenses, assets, and any debts you may have.
With this knowledge, they’ll be able to make informed decisions on your behalf, ensuring that your financial affairs are managed effectively. You have to discuss your financial habits, preferences, and any specific instructions regarding your finances with your chosen attorney.
This ensures that they can act in accordance with your wishes, giving you peace of mind knowing that your financial matters are in capable hands.
7. Can You Trust Your Attorney Completely?

One of the most important questions that you need to ask yourself is whether you can trust your chosen attorney completely. Trust is an aspect that you cannot overlook when selecting someone to handle your affairs, as they will be making critical decisions on your behalf.
You need to carefully consider their integrity, reliability, and commitment to acting in your best interests. Remember that trustworthiness goes beyond competence; you should feel confident that they will honour your wishes and carry out their duties responsibly.
Take your time to evaluate your relationship with your attorney and ensure that you’re comfortable entrusting them with such an important role.
To Create a Lasting Power of Attorney Online, Contact Zenco
Once you’ve carefully considered these questions for choosing an attorney, let our legal experts guide you through the process of creating an LPA online.
At Zenco Legal, our goal is to make legal services easily accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re looking to appoint a power of attorney, write a will, or set up a trust, our legal professionals can offer you the support and guidance you need. We’ll help you ensure that you remain in control of your future.
For more information on our services, check out our guides or book an appointment now.
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