To make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in England and Wales, you must be at least 18 years old.
An LPA is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if
you lose mental capacity. This can include decisions about your health and welfare or your property and
finances
Can you create an LPA at 16?
No, you cannot create an LPA at 16 in England and Wales.
Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the person creating the LPA (known as the “donor”) must have reached
the age of 18.
How old must an individual be to make an LPA?
Once you turn 18 in England and Wales, you are legally recognised as an adult and able to make your own
decisions. This includes the right to create a Lasting Power of Attorney.
Why you’re never too young to make an LPA
Although LPAs are often associated with later life, loss of capacity can happen at any age.
For example:
- A serious accident in your 20sA brain injury in your 30s
- Early-onset dementia in your 40s
Making an LPA from a younger age can therefore help you to navigate the unpredictability of life more
smoothly.
Creating an LPA earlier in life helps ensure that, if the unexpected happens, the right person can step in and
make decisions in line with your wishes.
Without an LPA in place, your loved ones may need to apply through the Court of Protection – an often lengthy and costly process.
What Decisions Can an LPA Cover?
There are two types of LPA in the UK:
- Health and Welfare LPA: Covers decisions about medical treatment, care, and daily routine.
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA: Covers decisions about money, bills, property, and investments.
You can choose to set up one or both, depending on your needs.
Speak to Honey Legal’s LPA specialists
Whether you’re 18 or planning ahead in later life, setting up an LPA is one of the most important steps you can
take to protect your future.
Given we focus exclusively on estate planning, we ensure every LPA is prepared in line with legal requirements and makes clear your wishes, should you ever lose the mental capacity to make these decisions
yourself.
With more than 17,000 5-star Trustpilot reviews, you can rest assured that one of our compassionate advisors will carry out your free initial consultation in a way that works for you.
To arrange a face-to-face meeting during which we can fully understand your wishes and assess your capacity when making this significant and personal decision, we’d love to hear from you.