The Big LPA Paradox: Why We Risk the Very Things We Want to Protect

16th June 2025

There’s a quiet contradiction at the heart of how many of us think about our future. Most people want to protect their independence — their right to make their own choices, manage their own money, and stay in control of their health and wellbeing. And yet, the one document that helps protect all of that — a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) — is so often overlooked or left too late.

It’s a real paradox: in trying to avoid thinking about what might go wrong, we risk giving up exactly what we want to preserve.

We hear it all the time — “I don’t want someone else making decisions for me,” or “I’m not ready to give up control.” But here’s the thing: setting up an LPA isn’t about giving up control. It’s about choosing who you want to step in if you no longer can. It’s about protecting your voice when life gets unpredictable.

Without an LPA in place, the power to make decisions about your health or finances could fall to people you wouldn’t have chosen — or to the courts. And that process can be long, stressful, and expensive for loved ones. It means delays in accessing money, paying bills, or even making important care decisions. So while you might avoid the discomfort of planning now, you could be handing over far more control than you ever intended if the worst happens.

It’s especially true when it comes to independence. Many people want to stay in their own home as they age, to keep living life on their terms for as long as possible. But if something happens and there’s no LPA in place, those decisions could be made by professionals or people who don’t know your wishes — simply because the legal authority isn’t there for your loved ones to act.

And money? That’s a big one. We all want to protect our finances — not just for ourselves, but for our families too. But if you lose mental capacity without an LPA for property and finance, banks could freeze your accounts. Even joint ones. Your family can’t step in without going through the Court of Protection, which can take months and cost thousands.

The irony is, the LPA is one of the simplest and most affordable forms of protection available, especially when you can apply online. It’s not about giving up power — it’s about making sure your power continues, through the people you trust most.

So if you’ve been putting it off, maybe it’s time to flip the thinking. An LPA doesn’t mean you’re giving up your rights — it means you’re making a proactive choice to preserve them. You’re protecting your independence, your health, and your finances — by planning ahead.

Because ultimately, the best way to stay in control is to prepare for the moment when you might not be. And when that time comes, you’ll be glad you did.