Professional Attorney Services

A professional attorney is someone you formally appoint under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to manage your affairs if you’re unable to do so yourself. Instead of choosing a family member or friend, you appoint a trusted professional – usually a solicitor or accountant, to act on your behalf.

Our experienced private client solicitors regularly act as professional attorneys for clients across the region.

There are many reasons why someone might choose a professional attorney:

• They don’t have close family or friends they can rely on.
• Their loved ones may live far away or lack the time or experience.
• There may be potential for family conflict, disputes or conflicting interests.
• They want professional standards, regulation and objectivity
• They want to ensure decisions are made safely, confidentially, and in their best interests

Sadly, we’ve seen situations where attorneys, even unintentionally, fall into conflicts of interest or mismanage finances. Choosing a professional attorney adds a layer of safeguarding and accountability that brings peace of mind.

Yes. You can appoint a professional as your sole attorney, or alongside trusted individuals such as your children, spouse or friends. You can also name a professional attorney as a replacement attorney, someone who would step in if your original choice is unable or unwilling to act in the future.

This flexible approach allows you to build a plan that works for your unique circumstances.

Professional attorneys are legally bound to act in your best interests at all times under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. We will always:

• Respect your wishes and values.
• Involve you in decisions as much as possible.
• Work with your family, where appropriate.
• Keep full financial records and report as required.
• Act with honesty, integrity and transparency.

We take our role extremely seriously. We don’t just follow the rules, we hold ourselves to the highest personal standards of care and responsibility.

We can act under a Property & Financial Affairs LPA to manage:

• Paying bills and managing bank accounts.
• Dealing with pensions and income.
• Buying or selling property.
• Liaising with HMRC, financial advisers or care providers.
• Ensuring funds are used to support your lifestyle and wellbeing.

We’ll tailor our approach to your preferences and situation. We’re also happy to work with your existing advisers and loved ones where appropriate.

Yes — although it is less common, we do act as professional attorneys under Health & Welfare Lasting Powers of Attorney, and it can be an important safeguard where no trusted family or friends are available, or where impartiality is essential.

We’ve supported clients in making sensitive and personal decisions, including:

• Arranging and managing care at home – sourcing and coordinating home carers to support independence and comfort.
• Selecting residential or nursing care – choosing the right care home to suit both health needs and lifestyle preferences.
• Medical treatment decisions – liaising with doctors and healthcare teams to make informed, compassionate choices.
• Supporting daily routines and wellbeing – ensuring dignity and comfort in decisions about clothing, meals, and day-to-day needs.
• Overseeing end-of-life care – ensuring a client’s personal values and wishes are respected with care and integrity.

Appointing a professional attorney under a Health & Welfare LPA can provide reassurance, clarity and independence – especially where family dynamics are complex or emotional burdens may be high.

Professional attorneys are permitted to charge for their time, usually on an hourly rate basis. At Cullimore Dutton, we are transparent about our charges from the outset, and ensure all decisions and costs are recorded and reviewed regularly. We have a team of dedicated professionals and ensure that work is carried out at the appropriate level to provide the correct level of expertise and cost efficiency throughout.

We’re committed to value, fairness and transparency and most importantly, to protecting your interests.