LPA for Single People: Why You Need One Even More

LPA for Single People

If you're single, you might think LPAs are just for married couples or people with families. The opposite is true—single people often need LPAs MORE than anyone else.

Why Single People Need LPAs

No Automatic Helper

When you're married or in a civil partnership, your partner often steps in naturally (though legally they still need an LPA). When you're single:

• No one has automatic authority to help you
• Banks won't let friends access your accounts
• Hospitals may make decisions without family input
• Courts must appoint someone if you don't

The "Who Would Help Me?" Question

If you lost capacity tomorrow, who would:

• Pay your mortgage or rent?
• Manage your bills?
• Make healthcare decisions?
• Communicate with doctors?
• Handle your affairs?

Without an LPA, this becomes a court matter.

Who to Choose as Attorney

Options for Single People:

Family Members

• Parents (if still able)
• Siblings
• Adult nieces/nephews
• Aunts/uncles
• Cousins

Friends

• Close, long-term friends
• People who know your values
• Friends you'd trust with your life

Professionals

• Solicitors
• Accountants
• Professional deputies

Things to Consider

• Age (choose someone likely to outlive you)
• Location (can they help practically?)
• Relationship stability (will they still be around?)
• Capability (can they manage the role?)

Multiple Attorneys Are Essential

For single people, appointing multiple attorneys is crucial:

Why Multiple Attorneys?

• Backup if one can't act
• Shared responsibility
• Different strengths (e.g., one for finances, one for health)
• No single point of failure

Suggested Structure

• 2-3 main attorneys
• 1-2 replacement attorneys
• Consider "joint and several" for flexibility

Having the Conversation

Asking someone to be your attorney can feel awkward. Here's how:

What to Say

"I'm sorting out my LPA—it's a document that lets someone help me if I ever can't manage things myself. I don't have a partner, so I'm asking people I trust. Would you consider being one of my attorneys?"

Include in the Discussion

• What an LPA actually involves
• That it might never be needed
• What your wishes are
• That you trust them
• It's okay if they can't

Preferences to Include

For Single People, Consider Adding:

• Who to consult about major decisions
• Preferences for care settings
• Important friendships to maintain
• Pets and their care
• Social activities that matter to you
• Religious or cultural preferences
• End-of-life wishes

The Friend Factor

Challenges with Friends as Attorneys:

• Friendships can drift
• Friends have their own families
• They might move away
• Life circumstances change

Mitigating Risks:

• Choose stable, long-term friends
• Appoint multiple attorneys
• Include family as backup
• Review regularly
• Have honest conversations

If You Have No One

If you genuinely have no one suitable:

Options:

• Professional attorneys (solicitors/deputies)
• Charity schemes (some offer this service)
• Trust corporations
• Local authority may help in some cases

Professional Attorney Costs:

Typically £1,000-5,000+ per year when active.

Don't Use "I'm Single" as an Excuse

Common excuses (and why they don't work):

"No one depends on me" You depend on yourself—who'll look after YOUR interests?

"I don't have much money" Bills still need paying; decisions still need making.

"My family will sort it" Not without legal authority they won't.

"I'm young and healthy" Accidents and illness don't discriminate.

Protect Your Future Now →