Legal and Financial Support

  • If you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself — whether due to illness, accident, or age — someone needs legal authority to act on your behalf. That’s where a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) comes in.

    Two Types of LPA in the UK:

    • Health and Welfare LPA:
      This allows someone you trust to make decisions about your daily care, medical treatment, and even life-sustaining interventions if you're no longer able to.

    • Property and Financial Affairs LPA:
      Gives your chosen person authority to manage your finances — from paying bills and collecting pensions to selling property.

    Key Points:

    • You must have mental capacity when setting up an LPA.

    • LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.

    • It costs £82 to register each LPA, but fee reductions may be available based on income.

  • Sometimes referred to as a "living will," an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) allows you to refuse specific medical treatments in case you lose capacity in the future.

    What It Can Do:

    • Legally binding if it's valid and applicable.

    • Can be used to refuse life-sustaining treatment, including resuscitation or ventilation.

    • Must be written, signed, and witnessed if it includes life-sustaining treatments.

    You can also make an Advance Statement, which is a broader document that expresses your general care preferences (but isn’t legally binding).

  • Paying for long-term care in the UK depends on your health needs, financial situation, and where you live.

    Main Funding Routes:

    • NHS Continuing Healthcare:
      If your care needs are primarily health-related, you may be eligible for full NHS funding — at home or in a care home.

    • Local Authority Support:
      Councils provide means-tested support based on your savings, income, and needs.
      If your assets are over £23,250 (in England), you’ll likely pay for your own care.

    • Personal Budgets & Direct Payments:
      If eligible for council support, you can receive a set budget to arrange your own care services.

    Non-Means-Tested Benefits:

    • Attendance Allowance (for over 65s with care needs)

    • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

    • Carer’s Allowance (for those supporting someone)

  • Estate planning isn’t just about distributing assets — it’s about peace of mind for your family.

    What to Include in Your Plan:

    • A legally valid Will: Decide who inherits what, name guardians for children, and appoint executors.

    • Consider setting up Trusts to manage how and when assets are passed on (especially if vulnerable people are involved).

    • Plan for Inheritance Tax if your estate exceeds £325,000 (current UK threshold — more if property is passed to direct descendants).

    Guardianship for Adults:

    If someone loses capacity without an LPA in place, the Court of Protection may appoint a Deputy to manage their affairs — often a long and costly process.

  • Care costs in the UK can be significant — especially if you're self-funding.

    Typical UK Care Costs:

    • Residential care: £600–£1,000 per week

    • Nursing care: £800–£1,500 per week

    • Home care: £15–£30 per hour

    Budgeting Tips:

    • Understand how much care might cost over the long term, not just monthly.

    • Explore whether your property will be included in financial assessments.

    • Consider equity release, annuities, or downsizing, but take specialist advice first.