v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 27TH AUGUST v Page 68 • The HERALD • 6th August 2026 ASK A PROFESSIONAL THE IMPORTANCE OF AN LPA Advice from Heritage Will Writing Growing older is o en seen as a signi cant milestone, but it can also bring unexpected challenges. While many people associate losing mental capacity with old age, the reality is that illness, injury or unforeseen circumstances can a ect anyone’s ability to make important decisions. In fact, around 820,000 people in the UK are living with some form of dementia, highlighting just one of the many conditions that can impact mental capacity. So, what happens if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself? is is where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) becomes invaluable. An LPA is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more trusted individuals, known as attorneys, to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to do so. ese should be people you know will always act in your best interests and respect your wishes. It’s important to remember that an LPA can only be created while you still have mental capacity. Once capacity has been lost, it is too late to put one in place. A common misconception is that a spouse, partner or close family member automatically has the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity. Unfortunately, this is not true. Without a registered LPA (or an existing Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), where applicable), your loved ones may not have the legal right to manage your nances or make certain decisions for you. Anyone aged 18 or over who has mental capacity can create an LPA. However, it must be registered with the O ce of the Public Guardian before it can be used. If you lose capacity before an LPA is in place, your family will usually need to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputy to be appointed. is process can be lengthy, expensive and stressful. In addition, the appointed Deputy may not be fully aware of your personal wishes and preferences and, in some cases, may not even be a family member. Putting an LPA in place is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your loved ones, providing reassurance that the people you trust most will be able to make decisions on your behalf should the need ever arise. Heritage Will Writing, offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your individual needs and help you put the right arrangements in place. To nd out more, call: 02380 879243 or email: info@ heritagewillwriting.co.uk NFBP Business Support Programme New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) have a really useful programme of business support and networking events, open to everybody and aimed at providing training for local businesses across a variety of essential skills. e programme includes a mix of both online and in person events - and many of them are free of charge. NFBP events: LinkedIn Local, 12th August, 5pm with drinks and canapes at e Solent Cellar in Lymington, £29. Co ee & Connect, 20th August, 11am at the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu, Member £10, nonmember £12. Brilliance in Business Awards Launch, 3rd September, 5pm, at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst, £10. For more information and to book a place on any of the above events please visit: www.n p.org.uk Oakhaven Business Club runs regular networking events with local businesses across the New Forest, Waterside and Totton. Businesses can pay-as-you-go per person per session, or become an annual member. Tuesday 11th August, 9.30am-11.30am, New Forest Walk and Work, a 1 hour walk through the Tall Trees Trail, followed by tea/co ee and cake at Rhine eld House Hotel, £18. Tuesday 18th August, 5pm – 7pm, Oakhaven Business Club Summer Party at Christchurch Harbour Hotel, celebrating 4 years of Oakhaven Business Club, £30pp. Tuesday 8th September, 9.30am – 11.30am, New Forest Walk and Work, venue tbc, £18. Tuesday 22nd September, 2pm–4pm, Oakhaven Business Club, a ernoon tea and networking at New Park Manor Hotel, £24. For more information about how to join the Oakhaven Business Club or to book a space for one of their networking events please visit: www. oakhavenhospice.co.uk/oakhavenbusiness-club Upcoming Oakhaven Business Club Networking Events
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