Setting Up an LPA Gives You Peace of Mind According to Martin Lewis
Did you know that setting up an LPA is one of the smartest decisions you can make when you're planning for the future? And you don't just have to take our word for it.
In a recent appearance on This Morning, personal finance expert Martin Lewis urged everyone to sort out one essential legal document in 2025 - a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Martin Lewis, known for his practical money advice, explained that an LPA is arguably even more important than a will. And here at Winston Solicitors, we couldn't agree more.
For expert legal advice call 0113 320 5000
We regularly help clients across Leeds and beyond set up Lasting Powers of Attorney, ensuring that they have vital legal protection in place should the unexpected happen.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more trusted individuals (your 'attorneys') to make decisions on your behalf.
There are two types of LPA:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covering financial matters like paying bills, managing bank accounts, or selling property.
- Health and Welfare LPA – covering decisions about medical treatment, care arrangements, and living situations.
Without setting up an LPA, if you become unable to manage your own affairs due to accident, illness, or stroke (as Martin Lewis pointed out), your family could face lengthy, expensive legal processes simply to be able to help you.
Why You Shouldn't Wait When It Comes to Setting Up an LPA
Many people mistakenly believe that LPAs are only for the elderly or those already in ill health. However, as Martin Lewis highlighted, strokes, accidents, and sudden illnesses can happen at any age.
If you don't have one in place and don’t plan on setting up an LPA, you could be putting your family in an awkward position. Should you lose mental capacity, your loved ones would have to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as your deputy. It’s a costly and time-consuming process that can leave families feeling powerless at a critical time. Worse, someone you don’t even know could be appointed your deputy if you have lost capacity, have no LPA and you have no suitable relatives or friends to do it.
Having an LPA ready means that, if the worst should happen, the people you trust will be able to step in immediately and act in your best interests.
How Winston Solicitors Can Help with Setting Up an LPA
We make the process of setting up an LPA straightforward and stress-free. Our experienced Private Client team will guide you through the decisions involved in appointing attorneys and draft your LPA documents clearly and accurately. We will also support you in understanding your rights and responsibilities and handle the registration of your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.
We believe that everyone should have the reassurance of knowing their wishes will be respected, no matter what the future holds. Whether you are setting up an LPA for yourself or helping a family member do so, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Protect Your Future Today
Taking the time now and setting up an LPA could save you and your loved ones enormous worry and difficulty later down the line. As Martin Lewis says, "I got my power of attorney at 35." It's never too early to secure peace of mind. But if you leave it and something happens to you, it may be too late...
If you would like to find out more about setting up an LPA, please contact our friendly team at Winston Solicitors today.
If you have any other questions about Wills, LPAs, Trusts, Deputyships or Probate, we would be happy to discuss this with you. Call our team on 0113 320 5000 or email wills&probate@winstonsolicitors.co.uk.
