Have the people you trust ready to act when it matters
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you choose who can make important decisions for you if you’re ever unable to, for example after an illness, an accident or a loss of mental capacity.
LPAs aren’t just for older people. Putting them in place early keeps you in control and gives you and your family peace of mind.
There are two types of LPA
Property & Financial Affairs
Managing your money, bills, savings, investments and property.
Health & Welfare
Decisions about your care, medical treatment and everyday wellbeing.
Why it’s important to have LPAs in place
Without an LPA, your spouse or children have no automatic authority to act for you.
Bank accounts can be frozen, bills and mortgage payments go unpaid, and decisions about your care can be delayed. Your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection, which can take 6–12 months and involves ongoing fees and supervision.
- You stay in controlYou decide who acts for you, rather than leaving it to the courts.
- Avoid costly delaysOnce registered, your attorneys can act without lengthy court applications.
- Protect joint assetsWithout an LPA, even joint bank accounts can be frozen.
- Peace of mindYour loved ones know exactly what you would want.
A small step that makes a huge difference
We understand that thinking about losing capacity isn’t easy, so we keep the process clear and straightforward. We’ll explain your options in plain English, help you choose the right attorneys and make sure your documents are prepared correctly.
We’ll also guide you through signing and registering your LPAs with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), so the people you trust are ready to act if the time ever comes.
An LPA must be registered with the OPG before it can be used. The OPG registration fee (currently £92 per LPA) is paid directly to the OPG.
Put the right people in place, while you can choose them yourself.
Book Your Free ConsultationWhy do I need LPAs if I already have a Will?
A Will covers what happens after you die. LPAs protect you while you are alive, if you become unable to make decisions because of an accident, illness or loss of mental capacity.
Who can I choose as my attorneys?
Anyone aged 18 or over who has mental capacity. Most people choose close family members or trusted friends.
Can I have more than one attorney?
Yes. You can appoint several attorneys and choose whether they must act together or can act independently.
When can my LPA be used?
An LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. A Property & Financial Affairs LPA can then be used straight away with your permission, while a Health & Welfare LPA can only be used if you lack capacity to make the decision yourself.
What happens if I don’t have an LPA?
If you lose capacity without an LPA, your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection. This is often costly and time-consuming, and the decisions made may not reflect your wishes.
When is the best time to set up an LPA?
Before you need it. Planning early means you decide who looks after your affairs, not the courts or the local authority.
Can I change my LPA later?
Yes. As long as you have mental capacity, you can update or cancel your LPA at any time.