What an LPA actually is, why it matters at any age, and the myths that stop too many people making one in time.
A Will protects what happens after you die. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) protects you while you're alive, if you're ever unable to make decisions for yourself, whether through illness, an accident, or a temporary loss of capacity.
It's a legal document that lets you choose, in advance and on your own terms, exactly who steps in to make decisions on your behalf. Without one, that choice is taken out of your hands entirely.
Your attorneys can manage your bank accounts, pay your bills and mortgage, deal with your tax affairs, and buy or sell property on your behalf.
Your attorneys can make decisions about where you live, your day-to-day care, and your medical treatment, if you're unable to decide for yourself.
You can make one or both, and many people choose to put both in place at the same time for complete protection.
Without an LPA in place, your family has no automatic right to manage your affairs if you lose capacity, no matter how close you are or how obvious it seems that they should be able to. Instead, they'd need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy.
That process is slow, often taking months, comes with ongoing fees an LPA doesn't have, and there's no guarantee the court will appoint the person you would have chosen yourself.
It's often best thought of as insurance: something you hope never to need, but are glad to have in place if the worst happens.
Your attorney should be someone you trust completely and who is willing to take on the responsibility. You can appoint:
It's worth discussing this with the people you're considering beforehand, so everyone understands what's being asked of them.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll talk you through exactly what's right for your circumstances.