Lasting Power of Attorney & Deputyship in the UK
Protect Your Future – Before It’s Too Late
Most people assume their spouse or children could automatically step in if something happened to them. They can’t. Putting the right legal protection in place now can save your family months of stress, expense, and uncertainty.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.
1. Property and Financial Affairs
- Manage bank accounts
- Pay bills and mortgages
- Handle pensions and investments
- Sell property if necessary
2. Health and Welfare LPA
- Medical treatment
- Care arrangements
- Life-sustaining treatment
- Moving into residential care
Without these documents in place, even close family members have no automatic authority to act.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an LPA?
If capacity is lost and no LPA exists, your family must apply for a Deputyship Order through the Court of Protection.
Deputyship
Can take several months
Costs significantly more than an LPA
Requires ongoing annual reporting
Is supervised by the Office of the Public Guardian
Removes your ability to choose who makes decisions
At an already stressful time, your family may face legal forms, court fees, and delays accessing funds. Planning ahead avoids this.
Why Clients Choose to Put an LPA in Place Now
You stay in control of who acts for you
You reduce stress for your family
You avoid costly court applications
You ensure your wishes are respected
You protect your home and savings
An LPA is not just for the elderly. Illness, accidents, and unexpected medical events can happen at any age.
The Cost of Waiting
£92 per document
£371+
Ongoing supervision and reporting fees apply for deputies
Potential Legal Assistance costs
The financial and emotional cost of not planning is often far greater than putting protection in place today.
Our Approach
We provide clear, practical advice and handle the process from start to finish.
01
Advising on the right type of LPA for your circumstances
02
Drafting and completing the forms correctly
03
Ensuring legal safeguards are met
04
Submitting and registering documents with the Office of the Public Guardian
05
Advising families on deputyship applications where necessary
We make the process straightforward and stress free.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: In most cases, yes. Having both ensures full protection over health and finances.
A: No. Marriage does not grant automatic legal authority.
A: Typically 8-10 weeks, depending on processing times.
A: Yes, as long as you still have mental capacity.
Take Action Today
The best time to put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place is before you need it. If you would like clear advice about LPAs or deputyship, contact us today for a confidential discussion.
Protect your future.
Protect your family.
Put the right legal safeguards in place now.
01789 772955
Blog by Katy Taylor
