Most people understand the importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney — yet still delay putting them in place for themselves. This guide explains what happens without an LPA, the risks your family may face, and why acting early can prevent costly and stressful consequences later.

For many couples, putting mirror Wills in place feels like a responsible and complete step. It offers reassurance that everything will pass to the surviving partner and, ultimately, to the family. But beneath that simplicity lies a critical gap, one that often only becomes visible much later, when it’s far harder to fix.

One of the first questions we often ask during a client review is simple: “Have you put your Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in place?” Surprisingly often, the answer is no. Many people then say something similar: “We arranged one for a parent.” When asked whether they ever needed to use it, the response is almost always the same — it was extremely helpful. That naturally leads to an important question: If it made such a difference for your family, why not put the same prot