Lasting Power of Attorney: Basics for Families

A Lasting Power of Attorney lets someone choose trusted people to make decisions on their behalf if they lose capacity. There are separate routes for health and welfare decisions and for property and financial affairs.

This guide is signposting only. It does not replace legal advice.

An LPA generally needs to be set up while the person still has capacity to understand and choose attorneys. Families often think about it only after a crisis, when options may be more limited and stressful.

If you are unsure whether capacity is an issue, seek appropriate professional advice rather than guessing.

GOV.UK explains the forms, registration process and what attorneys can and cannot do. Some people use a solicitor for more complex situations.

Keep LPAs separate from day-to-day caring arrangements. Having a carer's assessment or benefits claim does not replace legal planning.

Talking about future decision-making can feel uncomfortable. It helps to frame the conversation around wishes, not control: who the person trusts, what they would want in a crisis, and how they want money, care and health decisions handled if they cannot speak for themselves.

If there is disagreement, pressure, abuse or uncertainty about capacity, seek appropriate professional advice. This site can only signpost the official starting point.