Understanding Lasting Power of Attorney 

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, LPAs are legal documents created by a person (known as the donor) before they lose mental capacity. There are two distinct types: one for Property and Financial Affairs, and another for Health and Welfare decisions. LPAs superseded the older Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), providing broader powers, including consent to medical treatment, moving into care, and managing finances, even after capacity has been lost. Unlike EPAs (which can only handle financial matters and were phased out in 2007), LPAs offer more flexibility and stay in force once properly registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)

Why LPAs matter and how to prepare one

According to estate‑planning experts, having an LPA in place is a simple yet powerful way to ensure your wishes are honoured and your family isn’t forced to go through the Court of Protection if you lose capacity.  Without one, an external decision‑maker may be appointed, which can be slow, expensive, and emotionally taxing.  From a financial planning viewpoint, many UK adults neglect LPAs, yet they are critical alongside wills and trusts, especially when protecting your future  decision‑making and safeguarding family inheritance plans.