Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in the UK?
Many people take out insurance hoping they'll never need to use it. An LPA is similar. Putting one in place means you remain in control of who would act for you, while giving both you and your family greater peace of mind.
For most adults in the UK, the answer is yes. A Lasting Power of Attorney is an important part of sensible future planning, giving you the reassurance that someone you trust can help manage things if you ever need support.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people (known as attorneys) to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity or no longer wish to make decisions yourself.
In the UK, there are two types:
Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covering money, bills, property and investments
Health and Welfare LPA – covering medical care and life decisions
Both play an important role in protecting your future.
Do I actually need one ?
Many people assume:
“My family will just handle things if something happens.”
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.
Without an LPA:
Access to financial accounts may become difficult until the appropriate legal authority is obtained
Your family may not be able to access funds
Decisions may need to go through a lengthy legal process
This can be stressful, expensive, and time-consuming at exactly the wrong moment.
What about digital assets and online accounts?
This is becoming increasingly important as more people hold wealth and information online.
This may include:
Cryptocurrency
Online investments accounts
Password managers
Digital businesses
Cloud storage and online records
…these can be especially difficult for others to access without proper planning.
Even with an LPA, if your digital assets aren’t organised and documented properly, they can still be lost, be inaccessible, or challenging to retrieve.
This is one reason many people now include digital asset planning alongside their Lasting Power ot Attorney.
When should I set one up ?
The simple answer is: before you need it.
An LPA must be set up while you still have mental capacity. Once capacity is lost, it’s too late to put one in place.
That’s why many people now include it as part of their overall estate and digital asset planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a solicitor to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney?
No. Many people complete a Lasting Power of Attorney themselves using the official government process. However, some people prefer guidance and support to help them understand the forms and complete them with confidence.
What happens if I lose mental capacity without an LPA?
Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection before they can make certain decisions on your behalf. This can take time and may involve additional costs.
Can my spouse or partner automatically make decisions for me?
Not necessarily. Even if you are married or in a long-term relationship, your spouse or partner may not automatically have the legal authority to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf.
What is the difference between a Will and a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Will takes effect after your death and sets out how your estate should be distributed. A Lasting Power of Attorney is used during your lifetime and allows trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.
What about Digital Assets and Online Accounts
Many people now hold important information and value online, including cryptocurrency, online investment accounts, digital businesses, cloud storage and social media accounts. A Lasting Power of Attorney can form part of a wider plan for managing digital assets, although additional planning may also be required.
How much does it cost to get help completing a Lasting Power of Attorney?
The Office of the Public Guardian charges separate registration fees for each LPA submitted.
At Heredix, our LPA Completion Service is £250 for an individual or £500 for a couple’s package. We provide personal support throughout the process, helping you complete the necessary paperwork with confidence.
If you would like to discuss your situation, you are welcome to book a free initial consultation.
How we can help ?
Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney doesn’t need to be complicated.
At Heredix, we offer a personal, one-to-one service, guiding you through:
Understanding your options clearly
Helping you complete the process accurately and confidently
Making sure your wider assets, including digital ones, are properly considered
The aim is simple: to give you clarity, and to make things easier for the people who matter to you.
Next Step
If you’d like to talk it through, you’re welcome to book a consultation.
There’s no pressure—just a straightforward conversation to help you understand what’s right for your situation.
