Why you need a lasting power of attorney now, not later.
Many people assume a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is something they'll sort out when they're older or unwell. But waiting too long can have serious consequences for you, and for your loved ones.
An LPA is a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you're no longer able to. This could be due to an accident, illness or loss of mental capacity.
There are two types:
Property & Financial Affairs LPA
Covers decisions about money, bills, property and savings.
Health & Welfare LPA
Covers decisions about your care, treatment and daily routine.
What happens if you don't have one?
If you lose mental capacity without an LPA in place, your family can't automatically step in. Even a spouse or adult child would need to apply to the Court of Protection, which is:
In the meantime, banks can freeze accounts. Care decisions may be delayed. And someone you wouldn't have chosen could be appointed to act for you.
You stay in control, even after you've handed it over
An LPA doesn't mean giving up your rights. You stay in charge for as long as you have capacity. Your attorney can only act for you when you're unable to, or when you choose to let them.
You can also set out instructions and preferences in your LPA – so your wishes are known and followed.
Your rights protected
You choose who acts
Set your preferences
Legally binding
It's not just for the elderly
Accidents and illnesses can affect anyone. LPAs aren't just for later life – they're for anyone who wants to prepare properly.
We've helped people in their 30s, 40s and 50s set up LPAs as part of wider life planning. Because the best time to plan is before you need it.
Real life scenarios
See how different people benefit from having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place
Sarah, 42 - Single Professional
Sarah is a marketing director who lives alone. After witnessing a colleague suffer a stroke at 38, she realized how vulnerable she could be without family nearby.
Her situation:
- •Parents living abroad, siblings in different cities
- •Owns her flat with a mortgage
- •Active investment portfolio and pension
- •Strong opinions about medical treatment
What she did:
Sarah appointed her best friend as her primary attorney for both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare LPAs, with her sister as a replacement. This means someone she trusts completely can manage her finances, pay her mortgage, and make healthcare decisions if she's unable to. She's specified she doesn't want life-sustaining treatment in certain circumstances, and wants to remain at home for care if possible.
The registration process explained
Understanding how to register your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
Why registration is important
Your LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. You can register it as soon as it's completed, even if you don't need it yet. In fact, we strongly recommend registering it straight away.
Registration takes approximately 8-10 weeks, so if you wait until you need the LPA, there will be a frustrating delay. Once registered, it's ready to use immediately when needed.
Don't wait for a crisis
We make it easy to set up your Lasting Power of Attorney – with clear, fixed pricing, no legal jargon, and a personal service from start to finish.