Property and Financial Affairs
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)
Property and Financial Affairs
A Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives someone you trust the legal authority to manage your financial matters if you're no longer able to do so yourself.
Whether through illness, injury or loss of mental capacity, there may come a time when you need support handling everyday finances. Putting an LPA in place ensures that your affairs can be managed smoothly, without delay or court involvement.
Why Clients Use Us
✅ Avoid common mistakes that delay or invalidate your forms
✅ Talk to someone who truly cares and understands the process
✅ Get help with difficult decisions (like choosing your attorneys)
✅ Save time with guided, pre-filled paperwork
Property & Financial Affairs LPA
Managing bank accountsPaying billsSelling propertyAccessing investmentsOnline banking, pensions, digital assets
🟢 Can be used with your permission, even if you still have capacity (if you wish).
What Does It Cover?
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can allow your chosen attorney(s) to:
Access and manage your bank or building society accountsPay bills, including utilities, rent or mortgageCollect pensions or benefits on your behalfDeal with tax mattersBuy, sell or maintain propertyMake financial decisions in your best interest.
You can choose whether your attorney can act immediately after registration or only if you lose capacity.
Who Should I Appoint?
You can appoint one or more attorneys. Many people choose a spouse, adult child or trusted friend. It’s important to pick someone who is financially responsible, understands your wishes, and is happy to take on the role.
You can also name replacement attorneys in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act in future.
Common Misunderstandings
“I don’t need one yet.”
An LPA must be made while you have mental capacity. Waiting until something happens can make the process much more difficult.
“My partner can sort things anyway.”
Even a spouse or civil partner has no automatic right to access your finances without legal authority.
Why It Matters
Without a Property and Financial Affairs LPA in place, your loved ones would need to apply to the Court of Protection to act for you, a slow and expensive process that can be avoided with forward planning.
Setting up an LPA is a simple, affordable way to stay in control and make life easier for those around you if something goes wrong.
TESTIMONIALS
Jane Doe
"This website provided all the information I needed and when I was ready, they helped me with putting the documents in place".
John Doe
"A great source of information for LPAs. Thanks to Sophia and the team for their guidance."
FAQS
What is an Lasting Power of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone you trust (your ‘attorney’) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to do so yourself.
Why would I need an LPA?
An LPA ensures your wishes are respected and important decisions are made by someone you trust if you're ever unable to make them yourself due to illness, injury, or age.
Who are the Office of the Public Guardian
The OPG is a government body that oversees LPAs and ensures attorneys act in your best interests.
What's a Deputyship Order?
A deputyship order is a legal document issued by the Court of Protection in England and Wales. It gives one or more people (called deputies) the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to make those decisions themselves.
Is an LPA only for older people?
No. Anyone over the age of 18 can make an LPA. It’s about planning ahead—accidents or illness can happen at any age.
What's the difference between the two LPAs?
There are two types:
Health and Welfare LPA – covers decisions about medical treatment, care, and living arrangements.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covers decisions about money, bills, property, and bank accounts.
Do I need both LPAs?
That depends on your situation, but many people choose to have both to ensure all areas of their life are covered.
How do I create an LPA?
You’ll need to complete the official forms, have them signed and witnessed correctly, and then register them with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
Do LPAs need to be registered?
Yes, they must be registered with the OPG before they can be used. This applies to both types of LPA.
How long do LPAs take to register?
Registration usually takes around 8 to 10 weeks, depending on the OPG’s workload.
How much does it cost to register an LPA?
It costs £82 per LPA to register in England and Wales. Some people may qualify for a fee reduction or exemption.
