Why Lasting Powers of Attorney Are So Important
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are a crucial part of any well-rounded estate plan. They allow you to choose trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose the capacity to do so yourself.
Without LPAs in place, your loved ones would need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as your deputy—a process that can be lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining. Even then, there’s no guarantee that the people you would have chosen will be granted that authority.
Putting LPAs in place now ensures that:
- Your wishes are respected
- The people you trust are in charge
- Unnecessary delays, stress, and legal costs are avoided
It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference—bringing peace of mind to you and those closest to you.
There are two types of LPA, each covering a different area of your life:
Property & Financial Affairs
This allows your chosen attorneys to handle your finances on your behalf. This can include:
- Managing bank accounts and paying bills
- Handling pensions or benefits
- Making decisions about your home, property, and investments
Health & Welfare
This gives your loved ones the authority to make important decisions about your personal wellbeing, such as:
- The type of care and support you receive
- Where you live
Should I Have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
If you’re over 18, having an LPA in place is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones—no matter your age.
While LPAs are often associated with getting older, the reality is that loss of capacity can happen at any time due to illness, accident, or unexpected events. Waiting until it’s too late can create significant challenges for your family.
Without an LPA:
- Your loved ones won’t automatically have the right to make decisions on your behalf—even if you’re married.
- They may need to apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy, which is a lengthy, costly, and stressful process.
- They could be left without access to your finances when you need help the most.
Please note
Even if you’ve been married for decades, your spouse has no automatic legal authority to make decisions for you if you lose capacity—unless you’ve named them in an LPA or they apply (and are approved) as a deputy by the Court.
The simplest and most secure route is to have your LPAs put in place now—bringing peace of mind to both you and those closest to you.