POWER OF ATTORNEY

Setting up a Power of Attorney in the UK gives you clarity, control, and peace of mind at every stage of life. By appointing someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you ever become unable to do so, you protect your finances, your wellbeing, and your family from uncertainty. It ensures your wishes are respected, prevents costly legal delays, and provides loved ones with the authority they need to support you when it matters most. A Power of Attorney isn’t just a legal document, it’s a safeguard for your future.

LETS HAVE A MORE DETAILED LOOK AT A POWER OF ATTORNEY: –

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people (attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to do so yourself — due to illness, accident, or old age.

Why It Matters

If you lose mental capacity (e.g. from a stroke, dementia, or serious injury) and don’t have an LPA:

  • Your family cannot access your bank accounts (even joint accounts can be frozen)
  • They can’t make health or care decisions for you legally
  • They’d need to apply to the Court of Protection — costly, slow, and stressful

There Are Two Types of LPA:

  1.  LPA for Property & Financial Affairs

This covers things like:

  • Paying bills and managing bank accounts
  • Collecting pensions and benefits
  • Selling or renting your home
  • Handling investments or business interests

Can be used with your permission while you still have capacity, or only if you lose it — your choice.

  1. LPA for Health & Welfare

This covers decisions about:

  • Medical treatment and care
  • Where you live (e.g. care home)
  • Day-to-day matters like diet or routine
  • Life-sustaining treatment

Only used if you lose mental capacity.

Who Can You Appoint?

  • One or more people you trust — spouse, adult children, friends, solicitor
  • You can set restrictions or guidance
  • You can appoint replacement attorneys in case someone can’t act

Key Facts:

Topic

Detail

Age to Make One

18+ and mentally capable

Cost (England & Wales)

£82 per LPA (can apply for fee reduction/exemption)

Registration

With the Office of the Public Guardian (takes 8–12 weeks)

Revocable?

Yes, as long as you still have capacity

Common Myths:

  • “My spouse can just handle everything” → ❌ Not without an LPA.
  • “I’ll do it later” → ❌ You must make it while you have mental capacity.
  • “It’s only for the elderly” → ❌ Accidents or illness can happen at any age.

Why You Should Have One

  • Gives you control over who makes decisions for you
  • Avoids family stress and legal com