Who Is the Best Person to Give a Power of Attorney To?

08th December 2025

Choosing an attorney is one of the most important decisions you will ever make when creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Your attorney may one day make decisions about your money, health, welfare or daily life, so selecting the right person matters.

What qualities make someone the best Power of Attorney choice?

The best attorney isn’t just someone you trust, it’s someone who can confidently carry out complex decisions on your behalf.

The strongest candidates usually have:

• Good judgement & emotional stability – They should be calm under pressure, able to make balanced decisions and not be easily influenced.
• Financial or administrative capability – Particularly for Property & Financial Affairs LPAs, the attorney should feel comfortable handling accounts, bills and paperwork.
• Close knowledge of your values and wishes – They should understand what you would want, not what they would choose for themselves.
• Time, availability and willingness – Being an attorney is a responsibility. You need someone willing to act when needed, sometimes unexpectedly.

Should I choose my spouse or partner?

Many people do, and for good reason: partners usually understand your preferences and share financial responsibilities already. However, consider:

• Could they manage decisions if they were unwell themselves?
• Would emotional stress make certain choices difficult?
• Do you both risk losing capacity at a similar time?

Partners are often a strong choice, but not always the only one.

Is a child or close family member a good option?

A child, sibling or close relative may be appropriate if they:

• Can make objective decisions
• Understand your wishes
• Are comfortable handling money and care decisions

However, family can also create conflict. For example, multiple children might disagree about care or spending. This is why some people appoint joint attorneys to balance responsibility or choose jointly and severally appointments to allow flexibility.

Can friends or professionals act as attorneys?

Yes. A trusted friend may be more objective than family. A professional, such as a solicitor or accountant, can provide neutrality and expertise, though they may charge fees.

This can be especially useful when:

• Family relationships are strained
• You have complex assets or investments
• You want guaranteed continuity and impartiality

What is the best way to choose an attorney overall?

Ask yourself three essential questions:

1. Do I trust them completely?
2. Are they able and willing to act, potentially for years?
3. Would they follow my wishes, even if different to theirs?

If the answer to all three is “yes”, they are likely a strong choice for your Power of Attorney. As is Power of Attorney Online!