Together - sometimes referred to as Jointly. Attorneys must agree unanimously on every decision, however big or small. Remember, some simple decisions could be delayed because it takes time to get the attorneys together. If your attorneys can’t agree a decision, then they can only make that decision by going to court. Be careful – if one attorney dies or can no longer act, all your attorneys become unable to act. This is because the law says a group appointed ‘jointly’ is a single unit. Your LPA will stop working unless you appoint at least one replacement attorney.
Together and independently - sometimes referred to as Jointly and severally. Attorneys can make decisions on their own or together. Most people choose this option because it’s the most practical. Attorneys can get together to make important decisions if they wish, but can make simple or urgent decisions on their own. It's up to the attorneys to choose when they act together or alone. It also means that if one of the attorneys dies or can no longer act, your LPA will still work. If one attorney makes a decision, it has the same effect as if all the attorneys made that decision.
Together in respect of some matters and independently in respect of others - attorneys must agree unanimously on some decisions, but can make others on their own. If you choose this option, you must list the decisions your attorneys should make jointly and agree unanimously. Be careful – if one attorney dies or can no longer act, none of your attorneys will be able to make any of the decisions you’ve said should be made jointly. Your LPA will stop working for those decisions unless you appoint at least one replacement attorney. Your original attorneys will still be able to make any of the other decisions alongside your replacement attorneys.