What Does a Power of Attorney Mean?

15th December 2025

Updated: Tuesday 20th January 2026

What Does a Power of Attorney Mean? is a question many people ask when thinking about how their affairs would be managed if they could no longer make decisions themselves. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust to act on your behalf, bringing certainty, protection and continuity at times when it matters most. It ensures your financial, legal and health decisions are handled by the right person, rather than being delayed or taken out of your family’s hands through court involvement.

Below, we answer the key questions people ask when trying to understand what a Power of Attorney really means.

What does a Power of Attorney allow someone to do?

A Power of Attorney gives your chosen person, known as an attorney, legal authority to act for you if you lose mental capacity or need help managing your affairs. Depending on the type of POA, this may include:

• Managing bank accounts and paying bills
• Handling investments and property
• Communicating with banks, insurers, and pension providers
• Making decisions about day-to-day care and medical treatment

You decide which powers they have and how much control they can exercise.

Does a Power of Attorney mean losing control?

No, creating a Power of Attorney does not mean giving up your independence. You stay fully in control while you have mental capacity. Your attorney only steps in when:

• You ask them to help; or
• You lose the ability to make decisions safely

A POA is a safety net, not a surrender of your freedom.

What types of Power of Attorney are there?

In the UK, the main types you can apply to using a service like Power of Attorney Online are:

1. Property & Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney

This covers decisions about money, property, and financial management. It can be used before or after someone loses capacity (with permission).

2. Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney

This covers decisions about care needs, treatment, daily routines and life-sustaining treatment. It can only be used if you lack mental capacity.

3. Ordinary (General) Power of Attorney

Short-term and only valid while you have capacity e.g., if you’re abroad or recovering from illness.

Who should I appoint as my attorney?

Choose someone trustworthy, organised and able to make calm, well-reasoned decisions. Many people pick:

• A spouse or partner
• An adult child
• A close friend
• A professional, such as a solicitor

Reliability matters far more than relationship.

Why is a Power of Attorney so important?

Without an LPA, no one automatically has the legal right to act for you, not even your spouse. If capacity is lost, families must apply to the Court of Protection, which is:

• Slow (often months)
• Costly
• Stressful
• More restrictive than an LPA

A Power of Attorney ensures your chosen person is in charge, not the Court.