Blog by PCB Solicitors

Planning ahead is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. A key part of this planning is putting Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in place.

LPAs allow you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so yourself, or sign documents if you are not able. While many people assume this is something that only needs to be considered later in life, the reality is that unexpected illness, an accident, or a longer‑term diagnosis can happen at any time.

What happens if you don’t have LPAs in place?

If you don’t have LPAs, your loved ones are not able to speak for you or sign documents for you.  They may need to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to act on your behalf, this process can be time‑consuming, costly, and stressful.

By putting LPAs in place now, you can ensure there are no delays when help is needed most.

How do Lasting Powers of Attorney work?

Property and Financial Affairs LPA

This type of LPA allows your attorney(s) to manage your financial matters, including:

• Paying bills
• Managing bank accounts
• Dealing with investments
• Buying or selling property

This LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used but provides you with peace of mind that your loved ones can act on your behalf if you are unable to.

Health and Welfare LPA

A Health and Welfare LPA covers decisions about:

• Medical treatment (including life‑sustaining treatment, if you choose to include this)
• Care arrangements
• Where you live
• Your day‑to‑day routine and wellbeing

Like the financial LPA, this must be registered with the OPG. However, it can only be used if you are unable to make these decisions yourself.

Who can you appoint as your attorney?

Your attorney should be someone you trust to act in your best interests. This could be:

• A family member
• A close friend
• A professional, such as a solicitor

You can appoint more than one attorney and decide how they work together. You can also appoint replacement attorneys to step in if your original choice is unable to act.

Can you change your mind once an LPA is in place?

Yes. As long as you have capacity, you can cancel your LPAs or make new ones at any time. Planning in this way provides flexibility and peace of mind, knowing your arrangements can change as your circumstances do.

Get expert advice

Putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place early is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Waiting until they are needed may be too late.

If you would like advice or support with putting LPAs in place, please contact a member of our Wills, Trusts and Probate team on 01743 598044.