LPAs: documents you hope you’ll never need — but should have

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) allow you to choose who can make decisions for you if you are ever unable to do so yourself. You might have difficulty managing your own affairs due to an illness, an accident, or a loss of mental capacity. Having LPAs in place means that the people you trust can step in and manage your affairs in line with your wishes.

Without LPAs, those closest to you may not be able to access bank accounts, pay bills, or make important decisions about your health and care. Instead, an application may need to be made to the Court of Protection, which can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful at an already difficult time.

LPAs give you control and flexibility. You decide yourself who to appoint, what decisions the attorneys can make, and how they should act. You can also include guidance to help them understand what matters to you and how you would want decisions to be approached.

There are two types of LPA: one covering property and financial affairs, and another covering health and welfare. Putting both in place provides reassurance that all aspects of your life can be managed if the need arises.

Making LPAs is about planning ahead and protecting your independence. By dealing with this now, you can reduce uncertainty and have peace of mind that your affairs will be handled in the way you intend.