Death isn’t the only risk — incapacity can strike at any age.
Without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), families must go through the Court of Protection to deal with even simple finances. It’s slow, stressful and costly.
The two LPAs you need:
- Property & Financial Affairs – pays bills, manages accounts, handles property.
- Health & Welfare – covers treatment, care, and even where you live.
Choosing your attorneys: pick people who are trustworthy, organised and willing. You can appoint more than one, and you can set guidance or restrictions.
Letter of Wishes for LPAs: Just like with Wills, you can leave guidance to help attorneys make decisions in line with your values.
Things people don’t think about:
- Marriage doesn’t give automatic rights — your spouse can’t “just take over.”
- LPAs aren’t just for older people — accidents happen at every age.
- Banks can freeze joint accounts if one holder loses capacity — another reason an LPA matters.
Practical tip: Put LPAs in place while you’re fit and well — it’s too late once capacity is lost.
Call to action: Get LPAs sorted now — your future self (and your family) will thank you.
Back to You are not Immortal – a practical guide to a delicate topic – IHT
