Why Younger Adults Need a Lasting Power of Attorney Too

Posted
AuthorEmma Radford-Shayler

When most people hear the term “Lasting Power of Attorney” (LPA), they often picture retirement planning or elderly relatives needing care. In reality, LPAs are just as important for younger adults, parents, homeowners, and anyone who wants to protect their future.

An LPA is not about age, it’s about being prepared.

What is an LPA?

An LPA is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, if you become unable to do so yourself.

In the UK, there are two types of LPA:

Property and Financial Affairs LPA - Covers decisions about money, bills, property, mortgages, banking, and investments.
Health and Welfare LPA - Covers decisions about medical treatment, care, daily routines, and life-sustaining treatment.

Without an LPA in place, your loved ones may not automatically have the legal authority to help manage your affairs.

Why Younger Adults Need an LPA Too

Many people assume LPAs are only necessary later in life, but unexpected situations can happen at any age.

Accidents and illness can happen to anyone, at any time. A sudden accident, serious illness, stroke, or mental health crisis could leave you temporarily or permanently unable to make decisions.

If you lose mental capacity without an LPA:

Your family may struggle to access your bank accounts
Bills and mortgage payments could go unpaid
Important healthcare decisions may be delayed
Loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection

Having an LPA in place gives clarity and legal authority when it matters most.

LPAs for Parents and Homeowners

Parents often focus on protecting their children but overlook protecting themselves.
If you have:

A mortgage
Savings or investments
Insurance policies
Dependants

then an LPA should form part of your wider financial planning as it ensures someone you trust can step in quickly if needed.

Common Misconceptions About LPAs

“My spouse can automatically deal with everything.”

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings. Even married couples do not automatically have legal authority to make all financial decisions for each other.

Banks, mortgage lenders, and healthcare providers often require formal legal authority.

“I’m too young to need one.”
Planning ahead is far easier than trying to put arrangements in place during a crisis.

“It’s only for elderly people or people with serious health issues.”
An LPA is preventative planning, similar to insurance or writing a Will. Like insurance, you hope you never need it, but it can be invaluable if circumstances change unexpectedly.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an LPA?

If you lose capacity without an LPA, your loved ones may need to apply for a Deputyship Order through the Court of Protection and this process can:

Take several months
Be significantly more expensive
Involve ongoing court supervision
Create stress during already difficult circumstances

An LPA is usually quicker, simpler, and much more cost-effective.

When Should You Set Up an LPA?

The best time to arrange an LPA is while you are healthy and able to make decisions clearly.
Many people choose to create one alongside:

Writing a will
Buying a property
Getting married
Starting a family
Launching a business
Retirement planning

Final Thoughts

An LPA is not just for the elderly. It is an essential legal safeguard for adults of all ages.

Life is unpredictable, and having an LPA in place can provide reassurance that the people you trust will be able to support you if the unexpected happens.

Planning ahead today could save your loved ones significant stress, cost, and uncertainty in the future.

Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss making a new LPA or a change to your existing LPA, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of legal experts at John Hodge Solicitors, conveniently located throughout the South West, with offices in Bridgwater, Bristol, Clevedon, Wedmore, Weston-super-Mare and Yatton.

You can contact us either: