A Lasting Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. It’s as important as a Will for ensuring your wishes are respected and avoiding stress for family during a crisis. Many people delay these conversations because they feel awkward or fear upsetting loved ones, but early, open dialogue is key.
If you are considering putting an LPA in place, get in touch today by calling 0800 086 2929, emailing info@elitelawsolicitors.co.uk or by completing our Free Online Enquiry Form and arrange an initial consultation with one of our experienced Private Client Lawyers.
Practical tips for starting the conversation
Choose the right time and place
Avoid stressful or rushed settings. Opt for a calm, private environment where everyone feels comfortable, such as over coffee or during a relaxed family moment.
Lead with empathy, not legal jargon
Begin by expressing care:
“I want to make sure we’re honouring your wishes if anything unexpected happens. Would you feel comfortable talking about that together?”
Use natural openings
Reference a news story or personal experience:
“I read about someone who struggled because they didn’t have a Power of Attorney in place—it made me think about how we’d handle that.”
Start early
Don’t wait for a health scare. Discuss LPAs while everyone is well and clear-headed. This reduces pressure and allows thoughtful decisions.
Keep it simple and gradual
Avoid overwhelming loved ones with too much detail at once. Share key facts and point them to resources for later reading (e.g., gov.uk/opg or solicitor guides).
Respect choices and emotions
If someone isn’t ready, don’t push. Reassure them the conversation can happen another time.
What to prepare beforehand
Understand the two types of LPAs:
Health & Welfare (medical decisions, living arrangements) and
Property & Financial Affairs (managing money, property).
- Gather brochures or links from trusted sources.
- Be ready to explain why LPAs matter: they prevent legal complications and ensure wishes are respected.
How Elite Law Solicitors can help
Nominating an attorney to act on your behalf on either a short or long-term basis is a decision that should be made with careful consideration and full knowledge of the implications.
In addition, there is standard wording that must be used when nominating your attorney. For these reasons we recommend getting in touch with a knowledgeable legal expert who can walk you through your options and help you produce a valid document granting Ordinary or Lasting Power of Attorney.
At Elite Law Solicitors, our team of lawyers are experienced in helping clients tailor grants to suit their needs. We can offer valuable advice on who to nominate and what powers to grant them and can assist you in filling out the necessary forms correctly to ensure no problems arise at a later date. We offer a considerate and expert service throughout the nomination process and beyond.
Our team have a wide range of experience and our previous matters including:
- Preparing Lasting Powers of Attorneys with carefully drafted bespoke clauses to ensure clients wishes are expressed clearly and, where appropriate, are binding upon the attorneys.
- Meeting with clients who had an immediate need for the use of a power of attorney and advised them to have both Ordinary Power of Attorney and Lasting Power of Attorney drawn up.
- Advising clients who had an Enduring Power of Attorney in place and wished to discuss whether they should make a Lasting Power of Attorney.
Get in touch today by calling 0800 086 2929, emailing info@elitelawsolicitors.co.uk or by completing our Free Online Enquiry Form and arrange an initial consultation with one of our experienced Private Client lawyers.
Further information on Lasting Powers of Attorney
If you need further information on LPAs, you can read our complete guide on Lasting Powers of Attorney for more detailed guidance on how they work, why they are important, and the steps involved in putting them in place.
