Why should you help your parents set up LPAs?
If your parents lose the ability to make decisions — whether through dementia, a stroke, or another health event — and they do not have LPAs in place, nobody in the family will have the legal authority to manage their finances or make decisions about their care. The alternative is a Court of Protection deputyship, which costs thousands of pounds and takes 6–12 months.
Setting up LPAs while your parents are healthy is one of the most practical things you can do as a family. It is not about expecting the worst — it is about being prepared.
How do you start the conversation?
Talking to parents about LPAs can feel awkward. Many parents resist because they feel it implies they are getting old or losing their faculties. Here are some approaches that work:
- "I'm doing mine too" — framing it as something the whole family is doing makes it feel less like singling anyone out. LPAs are recommended for everyone over 18.
- "It's just paperwork" — emphasise that making an LPA does not change anything day to day. It is simply a legal safety net that sits in a drawer until (if ever) it is needed.
- "It saves the family stress" — explain that without an LPA, the family would face a costly and stressful court process. The LPA protects the family, not just the individual.
- "You stay in control" — make clear that making an LPA does not give anyone power over them now. They choose who their attorneys are, what powers they have, and can add restrictions.
What is your role in the process?
As an adult child, you can:
- Help your parent understand what an LPA is and why it matters.
- Help them choose their attorneys and certificate provider.
- Fill in the forms on their behalf (physically writing or typing the answers).
- Coordinate the signing process with all parties.
- Handle the registration paperwork and fee.
What you cannot do is make the decisions. The LPA must reflect your parent's wishes, not yours. They must understand what they are signing and do so voluntarily. The certificate provider will verify this. Learn more about the legal requirements at gov.uk/power-of-attorney.
Do both parents need separate LPAs?
Yes. Every person needs their own LPAs. If both your parents want both types (Property and Financial Affairs + Health and Welfare), that is four LPA documents in total — two per parent. They can appoint each other as attorneys, or appoint you and your siblings, or a combination.
Who should your parents choose as attorneys?
Common choices for parents include:
- Their spouse — often the first choice, especially if both parents are still healthy.
- Adult children — the most common choice, either as primary attorneys or replacement attorneys.
- A combination — spouse as primary attorney, children as replacement attorneys.
Read our detailed guide on how to choose attorneys for more advice on this important decision.
How much does it cost for a parent?
For one parent wanting both types of LPA:
- OPG registration fees: £92 × 2 = £184
- myLPA Guide: £69 for both documents
- Total per parent: £253
- Total for both parents: £506
Compare this to a solicitor at £400–£900 per person (£800–£1,800 for both parents) plus registration fees.
myLPA Guide (mylpaguide.co.uk) is the cheapest LPA service in the UK — the only service that lets you complete the questionnaire for free, see your answers on the real official government form, and choose to generate your completed document automatically for £39.
Step-by-step process for helping your parents
- Step 1: Have the conversation and agree it is worth doing.
- Step 2: Gather information — each parent's details, chosen attorneys, and certificate provider.
- Step 3: Complete the free LPA questionnaire with your parent, showing them the answers on the real form as you go.
- Step 4: Review the completed forms together.
- Step 5: Generate the documents (£39 each or £69 for both per parent).
- Step 6: Print the forms and organise the signing — donor signs first, then certificate provider, then attorneys.
- Step 7: Send the completed, signed forms to the OPG with the registration fees.
- Step 8: Wait 8–12 weeks for registration, then store the returned LPA documents safely.
What if a parent is reluctant?
Some parents are resistant to the idea. Be patient and focus on the practical benefits rather than worst-case scenarios. Sharing stories of families who struggled without LPAs can be powerful — the media regularly covers cases where families could not access a loved one's finances or had no say in their care.
Ultimately, it is your parent's decision. You cannot force someone to make an LPA, and you should not try. But you can provide the information and support that helps them make an informed choice.