Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)
Without an LPA, you lose control — and your family can pay the price.
In one real case, when someone lost capacity without an LPA in place, the Local Authority stepped in. Their home was cleared at a cost of around £12,500, and because it stood empty and stripped, buyers struggled to picture it as a home. The sale price dropped by an estimated further £12,000. That financial hit could have been avoided with a simple LPA.
With a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), you stay in control. You choose the people you trust to make decisions if you cannot, and your family avoid the expense and interference of the Local Authority.
The two main types of LPA
- Health & Welfare LPA – covers decisions about care, medical treatment, and daily living if you lose capacity.
- Property & Financial Affairs LPA – covers your bank accounts, bills, property, and investments, so your family can step in quickly if needed.
Other Powers of Attorney
There are other forms too:
- General Power of Attorney (GPA): short-term cover while you still have capacity — often used during travel, illness, or while waiting for an LPA to be registered.
- Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA): older documents made before 2007, still valid if registered.
- Business/Commercial LPA: a Property & Financial LPA tailored for business decisions only.
Most clients only need the two main LPAs, but Fern Wills & LPAs can advise and prepare whichever is right for you.
Why act now?
You can only make an LPA while you still have mental capacity. Leave it too late, and the Court of Protection may have to step in — a costly, time-consuming process. Putting an LPA in place now is one of the simplest, most powerful steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
Want to know more about the other types of Power of Attorney? Read our full guide: What are the five types of Power of Attorney?
Next step: Contact Fern Wills & LPAs today to discuss the right Power of Attorney for your situation.
