Many people think Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are only for older people. In reality, every adult should consider having one in place.
If you’re wondering how old you need to be to make a Lasting Power of Attorney in England and Wales, the answer is simple.
You Must Be at Least 18 Years Old
To make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), you must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Have the mental capacity to understand what you’re signing.
- Be making the decision voluntarily.
The person making the LPA is known as the donor, and once you reach 18, you’re legally entitled to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to do so yourself.
Can You Make an LPA at 16 or 17?
No.
Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, only adults aged 18 or over can create a Lasting Power of Attorney in England and Wales.
Although 16 and 17-year-olds can make some important legal and medical decisions for themselves, they cannot create an LPA.
Why It’s Worth Making an LPA When You’re Young
Many people delay making an LPA because they believe it’s something to think about in retirement.
Unfortunately, life doesn’t always go to plan. Loss of mental capacity can happen at any age due to:
- A serious accident.
- A stroke or brain injury.
- A sudden illness.
- Early-onset dementia or another medical condition.
Having an LPA in place means that someone you trust can step in quickly to make decisions that reflect your wishes if the unexpected happens.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an LPA?
Without a Lasting Power of Attorney, your partner or family cannot automatically manage your finances or make important decisions for you.
Instead, they may need to apply to the Court of Protection to become your deputy. This process can be expensive, time-consuming and stressful at an already difficult time.
Making an LPA now can save your loved ones significant worry later.
What Can a Lasting Power of Attorney Cover?
There are two different types of LPA:
Property and Financial Affairs LPA
This allows your chosen attorney to deal with matters such as:
- Managing bank accounts.
- Paying bills.
- Buying or selling property.
- Looking after investments and finances.
Health and Welfare LPA
This covers decisions about:
- Medical treatment.
- Care arrangements.
- Where you live.
- Your daily care and routine.
You can choose to make one type of LPA or both, depending on your circumstances.
Professional LPA Preparation for Just £150
At Do It Legally, we make creating Lasting Powers of Attorney straightforward and affordable.
For just £150, we’ll professionally prepare your LPAs, guide you through the process, and help ensure everything is completed correctly before it’s submitted for registration. The Government charges a Registration fee, currently £92, although some people can claim an exemption or reduction.
It’s a small investment that can provide lasting peace of mind for you and your family.
Need Help Making an LPA?
Whether you’ve just turned 18 or you’re planning for later life, it’s never too early to protect your future.
Contact Do It Legally today to arrange your Lasting Power of Attorney and make sure the people you trust are able to act on your behalf if you ever need them.