What is the Right Age to Make an LPA?
15th May 2025
The short answer:
Capacity can be lost suddenly - through accident, stroke or illness - at any age. Without an LPA, your family can't act on your behalf without going through the Court of Protection. An LPA takes hours to set up while you're well, and weeks to replace if it's needed and missing.
Updated: Friday 9th January 2026
One of the most common questions we get is “what is the right age to make an LPA?“. Many people assume that a Power of Attorney is only relevant later in life. In reality, it is one of the most sensible and responsible steps any adult can take.
A Power of Attorney protects you during your lifetime by ensuring that someone you trust can make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. This could be due to illness, an accident, or a sudden loss of mental capacity.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney in the UK?
A Lasting Power of Attorney, often called an LPA, is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people to act on your behalf if you cannot make decisions yourself.
You remain in control while you have mental capacity. Your attorneys can only step in if and when they are needed, and only within the powers you have given them.
What decisions can an attorney make for you?
The decisions your attorney can make depend on the type of LPA you set up.
There are two types of LPA in England and Wales:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA, which covers managing bank accounts, paying bills, handling pensions, and dealing with property.
- Health and Welfare LPA, which covers decisions about medical treatment, care, daily routines, and where you live.
You can choose to create one or both, depending on your needs. Many people choose both to ensure full protection.
Is a Power of Attorney only for older people?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Accidents and illness can happen at any age. If you lose capacity without an LPA in place, even temporarily, your family cannot automatically step in to help. They may need to apply to the Court of Protection, which can be slow, expensive, and stressful.
Setting up an LPA while you are well ensures you are prepared, whatever the future holds.
What happens if you do not have a Power of Attorney?
Without an LPA, your loved ones have no automatic legal authority to manage your finances or make health decisions for you.
This can lead to delays in paying bills, accessing funds, or making urgent care decisions. It can also place emotional and financial strain on those closest to you at a difficult time.
An LPA avoids this uncertainty and gives clear authority to the people you trust.
How can you set up a UK Power of Attorney easily?
You can apply directly through the Office of the Public Guardian, or you can use a guided online service like Power of Attorney Online.
Online services explain each step in plain English, help you understand your choices, and check your application for common mistakes before submission. This reduces the risk of delays and makes the process more manageable.
Why setting up an LPA is a smart decision
Creating a Power of Attorney using a service is not about expecting the worst. It is about being prepared and protecting your independence.
It gives you control over who makes decisions for you and provides reassurance to your loved ones that they can support you properly if needed.
A small step today can make a significant difference in the future. Taking action now means peace of mind for you and clarity for those who care about you most.
Get your Lasting Power of Attorney sorted for £99 per document
- Complete in as little as 15 minutes
- Built to help you avoid mistakes, delays or rejected applications
- Step-by-step guidance with real human support
