Lasting Powers of Attorney
Lasting Powers of Attorney: planning for while you are still here.
A Will takes effect after death. A Lasting Power of Attorney can allow trusted people to act if you can no longer make certain decisions yourself, for your finances, your property and your health.
Protect Your Future DecisionsThe misconception
Your spouse is not automatically your Power of Attorney.
Banks, hospitals and other institutions need formal legal authority before allowing anyone to act on your behalf. Without a registered Lasting Power of Attorney, even your closest family may face significant obstacles, at exactly the moment they need to help most.
"Without a registered LPA, even a spouse or adult child cannot simply access someone's bank account or make medical decisions on their behalf."
Office of the Public Guardian, England & Wales
The two types
Property & Financial. Health & Welfare.
Property & Financial Affairs
Can cover decisions about your money, bank accounts, property, bills, investments and pensions, if you can no longer manage them yourself. Can be used while you still have capacity, with your permission.
- Bank accounts and financial management
- Paying bills and managing debts
- Selling or managing property
- Collecting pensions and benefits
Health & Welfare
Can cover decisions about your daily routine, medical treatment, care arrangements and life-sustaining treatment. Can only be used once you have lost capacity to make these decisions.
- Medical care and treatment decisions
- Daily routine, diet and care arrangements
- Care home or care-at-home decisions
- Life-sustaining treatment preferences
Quotes
Lasting Power of Attorney quotes: get in touch.
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One LPA
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Both LPAs (one person)
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Complete LPA Package (couple)
Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) registration fees are charged separately and are set by the Government.
Common questions
Things people often assume.
"My spouse can act for me automatically."
They cannot. Without a registered LPA, even a spouse cannot simply step in to manage bank accounts, sign documents or make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
"I'm too young to need one."
An LPA can only be made while you have the mental capacity to understand it. Anyone can lose capacity. Illness, accident or injury can happen at any age.
"I can sort it out later."
If you wait until you actually need an LPA, it will be too late to make one. The time to put one in place is now, when it is a calm, considered decision.
"It gives someone too much power."
You choose who your attorneys are and can set guidance or restrictions on how they act. The LPA is your tool, designed around your wishes.
This information relates to England & Wales. Rules and registration fees can change. This is educational information, not legal advice.
Protect your future decisions.
An LPA can only be made while you have capacity. The right time to put one in place is before you need it.