A Shrewsbury law firm is reminding residents across the region about the importance of making Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPA) following changes to current legislation.

To coincide with changes to LPA legislation this week which saw fees reduced, Shropshire-based PCB Solicitors is urging local residents that it has never been a more appropriate time to consider who they would want to deal with important decisions on their behalf should they become incapable of doing so themselves.

Lasting Power of Attorneys are legal documents which allow individuals to appoint someone they know and trust to make important decisions about their health, welfare, or financial affairs should they become physically or mentally incapacitated. The changes, which have been made by the Ministry of Justice, have seen fees decrease from £130 to £110, and could save some couples up to £80 in registration fees.

Pauline Davies of PCB Solicitors explained: “The changes to the LPA legislation is great news, and will hopefully encourage more people to consider their options for the future. Making a Legal Power of Attorney is so important, yet many people overlook it or do not know how to go about the process. An LPA essentially provides an individual with the peace of mind that, should they become incapacitated in the future, someone they know and trust will make important decisions on their behalf.

“If an individual does not appoint an attorney, and then they become unable to make important decisions about their finances, it could cost them greatly. In this situation, the Court of Protection will appoint a deputy to act on that person’s behalf, however taking into account all the expenses associated, this could involve thousands of pounds of fees and insurance premiums. And, with the remission system changing for the Court of Protection, low-income individuals that were previously exempt from paying fees could end up paying should they find themselves in that position.

“Therefore it is essential individuals consider getting legal documentation drawn up whilst they are still able to, to ensure that should the worst happen, vital decisions affecting an individual’s life will still be made, and most importantly by those who will put their have their best interests at heart.”

PCB Solicitors LLP is a modern partnership, with offices in Shrewsbury, Broseley, Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Knighton, Ludlow, Telford, and Worcester. While they have origins back to 1860, the firm is forward-looking and offers a full range of legal advice for both individuals and businesses, including property, family advice and childcare matters, wills, trusts, probate and estate planning, accident and personal injury, litigation, criminal law and corporate and business law.

For further information about PCB Solicitors’ complete range of legal services, please contact the Shrewsbury Head office on 01743 248148 or click on the weblink below.