Do I really need an LPA? 5 reasons why you should have an LPA

By Nerina Farmer

Why You Should Consider a Lasting Power of Attorney

Only 14% of UK adults currently have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place—yet it’s something everyone should consider alongside making a Will.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more trusted people (known as “attorneys”) to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.

These decisions can relate to important aspects of your life, including your healthcare, living arrangements, and financial matters.

There are two types of LPA:

Health and Welfare LPA
Covers decisions about your daily routine, medical care, living arrangements, and social activities.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA
Covers matters such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, buying or selling property, and making investments.

It is generally recommended to have both types in place to ensure full protection.

5 Reasons to Put an LPA in Place

1. Support When You Need It Most

Once registered, an LPA allows your attorneys to step in if you lose mental capacity. This could be due to illness, injury, or an unexpected accident.

Depending on how it’s set up, your LPA can be used:

Only when you lose capacity, or
While you still have capacity but need practical support (for example, if you’re unable to attend appointments or manage tasks physically)

If you still have capacity, your attorneys must always act with your consent.

2. Tailored to Your Wishes

An LPA is entirely personal to you.

You choose:

Who your attorneys are
What decisions they can make
How those decisions should be made

For example, you may appoint your children jointly, or a trusted friend to act independently. You can include instructions or preferences to guide your attorneys, ensuring your wishes are respected.

3. Reduces Stress for Loved Ones

Having an LPA in place makes things significantly easier for your family.

Without one, your loved ones may not have the legal authority to:

Make decisions about your care
Access your finances to pay bills

In these situations, they would need to apply to the Court of Protection—a process that can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally stressful.

An LPA avoids this by giving clear authority from the outset.

4. Cost-Effective Planning

Putting an LPA in place now can save considerable costs in the future.

Without an LPA, Court of Protection applications and associated legal fees can be significantly higher. Planning ahead is often the more affordable option.

5. Straightforward to Set Up

Creating an LPA is a relatively simple process, especially with the right guidance.

Professional legal support ensures:

The document is completed correctly
Your wishes are clearly recorded
The process is handled efficiently and with minimal stress