It’s just for old people, right?” – Let’s talk about Lasting Powers of Attorney

Steve Bish
May 2
3 min read

If there’s one thing I wish more people understood, it’s that a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) isn’t just for later life it’s about protecting yourself and your loved ones at any age.

We get a lot of questions about LPAs, so I’ve pulled together some of the most common ones, along with some thoughts from my own experience after 20 years of helping clients through this process.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you need one or what they actually do, this is for you.

So, what exactly is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

An LPA is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you ever become unable to do so yourself whether that’s through illness, accident, or simply getting older.

There are two types:

Property and Financial Affairs LPA – to manage your money, property, and bills.
Health and Welfare LPA – to make decisions about your care, medical treatment, and day- to-day wellbeing.

You can have one or both, and it doesn’t have to be the same person nominated as attorney in each one..

Why bother setting one up now?

Honestly, the biggest mistake I see is people waiting until it’s too late. If something happens and there’s no LPA in place, your loved ones can’t just step in to help they’ll need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy. It’s costly, time-consuming, and stressful.

Having an LPA ready means the people you choose can help you straight away, without red tape.

Who should I choose to be my attorney?

This is a really personal decision. It needs to be someone you trust completely someone who knows you well and will act in your best interests.

They should be:

Over 18.
Financially responsible (if they’re handling your money).
Capable of managing the responsibility.

Some people choose family or close friends. Others choose a professional, like a solicitor especially if they don’t want to put pressure on loved ones.

Can I have more than one attorney?

Absolutely. In fact, I often recommend it. You can:

Appoint more than one.
Choose whether they act jointly (always together) or jointly and severally (independently if needed).
Name replacement attorneys in case someone can’t act when the time comes.
Having more than one attorney can offer peace of mind and a backup plan.

What kind of decisions can they make?

If it’s a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, they can:

Sell your home.
Pay your bills.
Manage your bank accounts.
Invest your money.

This type of LPA can be used while you still have capacity, which is handy if you’re abroad, in hospital, or just need help dealing with paperwork.

If it’s a Health and Welfare LPA, they can:

Arrange your care.
Decide your daily routine.
Choose who you see.
Consent to or refuse medical treatment on your behalf.

But this one only kicks in once you lose mental capacity.

Let’s Chat

Setting up an LPA isn’t complicated but it is important. It gives you control, reassurance, and a plan that protects your future.

If you’d like to chat through what’s involved, or you’re not sure where to start, I’m here to help. No pressure, no jargon just straightforward advice.

Call us on 01727 634839 or email at contact@sbishestateplanning.com.