- Lifetime planning
- 4 min read
Lasting Powers of Attorney: The Document You Hope You Never Use
Who makes decisions for you if you can't? You decide, but only while you still can.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you choose who can make decisions for you if illness or an accident leaves you unable to. Without one, your family has to apply to the Court of Protection, which is slow, costly and stressful.
Two types of LPA
There are two separate documents, and most people should have both.
- Property & Financial Affairs: Bank accounts, bills, your house, investments.
- Health & Welfare: Medical treatment, where you live, day-to-day care.
Choosing your attorneys
Pick people you trust completely, typically a spouse, adult child or close friend. You can name more than one, and choose whether they act 'jointly' (all decisions together) or 'jointly and severally' (any one can act alone).
Registering the LPA
An LPA only takes effect once registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Registration takes 8–10 weeks, so don't leave it until you need it.
— The takeaway
LPAs are insurance you set up when you don't need them, so they're ready the day you do.
— Wills & Probate
Need help with this in real life?
— Estate planning
4 min read
What actually happens to your money, your home and your children if you die without one.
— Probate
6 min read
What executors actually have to do, and how long it really takes.
Specialist solicitors for residential and commercial conveyancing, wills and probate. Based in Solihull, serving clients across the UK.
Contact
- 0121 271 0111
- info@nps-law.co.uk
- 1 Cranmore Drive, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4RZ
Regulatory
Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
4.7
Excellent
96 Google reviews
©️ Copyright 2026 NPS Law is a trading name for NPS Law LLP. Solicitors of England and Wales. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA Number 570169. A list of all Partners is available on the SRA directory for this firm. website designed by origin-media