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Powers of Attorney

We’ll work with you to understand what’s important to you, advising how you can best protect your family and assets.

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Confidence in what you do.

None of us knows what the future holds. But by putting a Power of Attorney in place, you can make sure that someone you trust is ready to step in and help manage your affairs - whether that’s for a short time or in the long term.

 

We’ll guide you through your options and help you make the right decisions for your circumstances, so you can move forward with confidence.

Why Powers of Attorney matter

If you become unable to make decisions - whether temporarily or permanently - your loved ones may need legal authority to act on your behalf. Without a Power of Attorney, they could face a lengthy and costly application to the Court of Protection.


By planning ahead, you stay in control of who makes decisions for you and how.

 


Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

LPAs are legal documents that remain valid even if you lose mental capacity. You can choose who acts for you, what they can do, and when they can step in.

There are two types:

  1. Property and Financial Affairs LPA
    This allows your Attorney(s) to manage your finances - bank accounts, pensions, bills, and even property. It can be used while you still have capacity but need support, or if you lose capacity in the future.

  2. Health and Welfare LPA
    This can only be used if you’re no longer able to make decisions yourself. It covers your care, living arrangements, and medical treatment - including decisions about life-sustaining care.

We’ll help you prepare and register your LPAs with the Office of the Public Guardian, making the process straightforward and stress-free.

 


Other types of Power of Attorney

  • General Power of Attorney

    Useful for short-term or specific situations - like if you’re abroad - this allows someone to manage your financial affairs immediately. However, it becomes invalid if you lose mental capacity, so it’s not suitable for long-term planning.

  • Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)

    If you made an EPA before October 2007, it’s still valid. EPAs only cover financial matters and don’t need to be registered unless you begin to lose capacity. We recommend reviewing any existing EPA to ensure it still meets your needs - and consider adding a Health and Welfare LPA to cover personal decisions.

Why Choose Porter Dodson?

  • Recognised excellence – Ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our expertise in private client services, including Wills, Trusts, and Probate.
  • Clear, compassionate advice – We speak your language, not legal jargon, and tailor our guidance to your personal circumstances.
  • Seamless planning - guiding you through the registration process. 
  • Here when you need us - We can Act as your Attorney if you don’t have someone suitable

We’re here to make sure your wishes are respected, whatever the future brings.

Sharon Collier - Colour - High Res - 079_425-1

For legal advice on any private client matters

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We've been working closely with Robyn Greenway to resolve an issue with care home funding and placement for a loved one. Robyn used her expertise and knowledge to work with the care home owners and the local authority. I couldn't imagine having to navigate the complex rules and regulations around care home funding in the UK, without the assistance of Robyn. We're very grateful to her for her help and would definitely recommend her and Porter Dodson to anyone that finds themselves in a similar situation.

Steve

Lovely people, very helpful.

Susan

I used Paul Watkins of the Bridport office to prepare Powers of Attorney for myself and my Wife and the whole matter was dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Peter

I am most grateful to Vicki Thyer who wrote my Will. She was professional, competent, efficient and most reassuringly responsive and I would highly recommend.

Cindy

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