Five Reasons Why You Should Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

When planning for the future, many people rightly focus on writing a Will. But just as important — and often overlooked — is the need to put in place a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Without one, your loved ones could face serious delays, legal hurdles, and financial stress if you're ever unable to make decisions yourself.

Let me share a real client story to explain why this matters.

A Real-Life Story: When It's Too Late

Earlier this year, I was contacted by Sarah, whose mother, Margaret, had suffered a severe stroke. Overnight, Margaret lost the ability to manage her own affairs. Sarah assumed she could step in to help with bills, care arrangements, and speaking to the bank — but because no LPA had been made, she quickly found herself powerless.

Access to bank accounts was blocked. Care providers wouldn’t speak to her. To gain control, she had to apply to the Court of Protection, a process that took months, caused stress, and came with considerable cost — all while her mother needed urgent support.

Sarah’s story is far from rare, and it highlights just how crucial it is to have the right documents in place before a crisis.

Five Reasons Why You Should Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

1. You Stay in Control

An LPA lets you choose who will act on your behalf if you become unable to make decisions — not the court.

2. Prevent Financial Hardship for Your Family

Many people don’t realise that joint accounts can be frozen if one account holder loses mental capacity. The British Bankers’ Association has highlighted this in its leaflet Banking for People Who Lack Capacity to Make Decisions. On page 5, it states:

"If you are a joint account holder and the other joint account holder becomes mentally incapable, you do not automatically have the right to access the account unless you have a LPA, EPA or Order from the Court of Protection."

This means that even a spouse or partner could be left unable to access essential funds — potentially causing severe financial hardship.

Having a valid LPA in place avoids this situation and ensures your family can access funds when they need them most.

3. Save Time, Stress and Expense

Without an LPA, your loved ones must apply to the Court of Protection to make decisions for you — a lengthy, costly, and complex process.

4. Protect Both Financial and Health Interests

There are two types of LPA:

• Property & Financial Affairs – covering money, property, and financial decisions

• Health & Welfare – covering medical treatment, care decisions, and where you live

  
  

You can have one or both in place to ensure all aspects of your wellbeing are covered.

5. Peace of Mind for You and Your Family

Knowing your wishes are legally documented and someone you trust can act on your behalf provides security and reassurance — both for you and your loved ones.

Don’t Leave It Too Late

At Citywide Wills, I work with clients across Warwick, Coventry, and the wider Warwickshire area to make LPAs clear, straightforward, and stress-free. As a fully certified Will Writer and Estate Planner, I offer expert advice and home visits at your convenience.

Whether you're thinking ahead for yourself or helping a family member take the right steps, creating a Lasting Power of Attorney now is one of the most important things you can do.

Book a free initial consultation today — and protect your future peace of mind.