Lasting Powers of Attorney are only needed for the elderly – WRONG! Why you need them NOW...

Life is unpredictable. One moment you’re juggling mortgage payments, kids’ school runs and a busy career, the next, a sudden illness or accident can leave you unable to make simple decisions. That’s where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) steps in—your personal safety net that ensures your finances and healthcare wishes stay in the hands of those you trust most.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

An LPA is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more “Attorneys” to act on your behalf if you lose mental capacity—or even just if you want someone to help manage your affairs today. In England and Wales, there are two main types of LPAs available:

1. Property & Financial Affairs LPA – this empowers your attorneys to handle bank accounts, property transactions, bills, investments—even your business finances.
2. Health & Welfare LPA - covers decisions about daily care, medical treatment, where you live, and life-sustaining treatment choices.

You can set them up together or separately, giving you total flexibility over who makes which decisions.

Who Should Make an LPA?

Short answer - everyone over 18. But certain life situations make it even more urgent:

• You hold property, investments or run a business that needs a trusted hand if you can’t sign off on contracts;
• You travel abroad frequently or spend time in two different countries, and need someone local to manage your UK affairs;
• You’ve been diagnosed with, or are at risk of, a cognitive condition such as dementia, Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis;
• You’re a parent of young children and want to set clear instructions for their day-to-day care if the worst happens;
• You’re scheduled for major surgery or have underlying health issues and want peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Even if none of these apply, making an LPA “just in case” locks in your choices and spares your family unnecessary stress.

Why Do LPAs Matter?

• You Stay in Control  - instead of a court or a government agency deciding who manages your affairs, you pick the exact people you trust;
• Less Stress for Loved Ones - without an LPA, your family would need to apply to become “Deputies,” which brings emotional strain on top of financial and legal headaches;
• Speed & Cost Efficiency - registering an LPA typically takes three to four months at a fixed fee. Contrast that with applying to the Court of Protection as a proposed "Deputy" - a process that can drag on for a year and cost much more than an LPA;
• Custom Instructions - want your investments handled a certain way? Prefer a specific care home? You can build your personal values and preferences right into the document.

What Else Should I Consider?

• Name Back-Up Attorneys - life throws curveballs—if your first choice can’t act, a backup ensures no gap in your protection.
• Review Periodically - change of relationship, moving home or evolving health needs? Update your LPAs to reflect today’s reality.
• Discuss Your Wishes - talk through your hopes and concerns with your attorneys before they sign - this avoids disagreements later.
• Consider Splitting Powers - maybe you trust one person with finances and another with health decisions; you can tailor different LPAs accordingly.
• Make a Will – LPAs cease on death, so ensure your wishes are covered once you have died.

Next Steps

Putting your LPA in place is one of the most impactful things you can do for yourself and your family. It protects your autonomy, saves time and money, and gives everyone peace of mind.

At Sills & Betteridge we have a team of lawyers able to offer advice to you about your circumstances and how best to prepare for and protect your future.