The Hidden Costs of Not Having a Lasting Power of Attorney

Despite more than 9.3 million Lasting and Enduring Powers of Attorney now being registered across England and Wales, an estimated four in five UK adults still don't have one in place. Yet losing mental capacity through illness, injury or dementia can happen unexpectedly, leaving families without the legal authority to make important decisions when they're needed most.

Many people assume their spouse, children or next of kin will automatically be able to manage their finances or make decisions about their health and welfare if they become unable to do so themselves. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common misconceptions surrounding Lasting Powers of Attorney. Without one, even those closest to you may be unable to act on your behalf without first applying to the Court of Protection—a process that can be both costly and time-consuming.

The financial cost is only part of the picture. Delays in accessing bank accounts, paying household bills or managing property can create unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. Families can also face uncertainty over healthcare decisions, while disagreements between relatives may arise if your wishes have never been formally recorded.

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lose the mental capacity to do so yourself. By putting the right legal protections in place early, you remain in control of who will act for you and how your affairs should be managed.

At Thomas Bradley Legal, we help individuals and families prepare for the future with clear, practical advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney and wider estate planning. While it's impossible to predict what lies ahead, taking action today can help protect both your wishes and the people who matter most.

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