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Power of Attorney

Putting important decisions in trusted hands.

Why a Power of Attorney matters

Getting older isn’t always easy. Minds can slow down. Decision-making can become harder. Or life might throw something unexpected your way that could affect your future mental capacity.

If that happens to you, you’d probably want someone you love to step in and protect you. A trusted voice, when you can’t use yours.

That’s exactly what a Power of Attorney does. It puts guardrails in place. It lets someone you choose act in your best interests. They can step in and make the decisions you’d make if you still could.

It’s valuable protection – but not enough people have it. August 2025 research by Canada Life shows:

  • 78% of people aged 40+ don’t have a Power of Attorney in place.
  • 1 in 10 who haven’t, wrongly assume their partner or spouse automatically gets that power.
  • And 32% say they haven’t appointed a Power of Attorney because “I have full mental capacity”.

That last point is key. A Power of Attorney isn’t about your situation today – it’s about what could happen in the future. And it needs to be set up while you’re of sound mind.

Without a Power of Attorney, the people who care about you most simply can’t step in. That’s why it’s worth setting one up now, even if – touch wood – it never needs to be used.

Maybe you’re thinking about arranging a Power of Attorney. Or perhaps you have older relatives you want to encourage to make plans. Let’s help you figure out what to do – so together, you’re ready for whatever comes.

What is Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document where you choose someone to manage your decisions if, one day, you’re no longer able to.

It’s important to pick someone you trust. Someone who knows you. Someone who’d do right by you. And it really helps to talk to them about what you’d want, long before they ever need to act.

These conversations can feel difficult, but they’re worth having. A Power of Attorney gives everyone – including you – greater assurance. Your loved ones want to do what’s best for you. This gives them the ability to do exactly that.

What is Lasting Power of Attorney?

This is the most common type of Power of Attorney in England and Wales (the rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland are slightly different).

As the name suggests, it lasts. Once it’s in place, it stays in place for the rest of your life (unless you withdraw it, or your chosen Attorney can no longer act on your behalf). It prepares you – and your family – for whatever the future might bring.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:

  • health and welfare
  • property and finances

You can choose to make one type or both.

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There are other, shorter-term types of Power of Attorney. For example, if you’re going to hospital for a major operation, you might want a temporary Power of Attorney just in case you’re physically unable to act for yourself.

Setting up Power of Attorney

It can be fairly simple to set up a Power of Attorney. You can register one yourself. Although getting professional help will make sure everything’s done properly.

Here’s how it usually works:

Step 1 - Decide what type you need

You can choose a Power of Attorney that lets your trusted person make personal and medical decisions.

You might prefer they only deal with your money, property and financial matters. That they only cover certain areas, like health decisions. Or you might want to give them the power to do all of this.

The range of control you want to give your trusted person will help you decide which type of Power of Attorney you need.

Because no one can predict the future, a Lasting Power of Attorney often makes the most sense.

Step 2 - Choose the person who would act as your Attorney

You should ideally pick someone you trust. Someone who knows you well and understands how you’d normally handle things.

Check they’re comfortable taking this on. It’s a big responsibility. They’ll need to be organised and confident under pressure.

You can appoint more than one Attorney – who can make all decisions together or act individually depending on what you choose.

Having more than one Attorney can ease the overall burden. Depending on what you choose, it can also mean that your arrangements can still be carried out if one of your Attorneys is unable to act.

Finally, you can add a back-up person to step in.

Step 3 - Consider what you want them to manage

This could include things like:

  • managing your bank accounts
  • paying bills
  • dealing with your home
  • handling savings, investments or pensions

Step 4 - Complete the correct form

A solicitor can help, especially if your situation is complicated. Otherwise, you can get the forms from trusted sources (more on that soon).

You’ll usually need to state:

  • who you’re appointing
  • what powers they’ll have
  • when those powers start

Step 5 - Share the details with those who matter

After everything’s signed it needs to be registered with the Office of Public Guardian.

Then give copies to:

  • your Attorney(s)
  • your bank or building society
  • your GP
  • your solicitor (if you have one)

Keep the original safe.

The above is based on the rules in England (it works slightly differently in Scotland, Wales and Ireland).

How to become Power of Attorney

You become an Attorney when someone appoints you (and the document is legally registered).

If you have older family members you want to look after, you might want to chat to them about setting up a Power of Attorney.

  • It’s not easy to bring up - but if they trust you, they’ll know you’re looking out for them.
  • They may even be relieved. They might have wanted to ask you, but didn’t want to feel like a burden.
  • Making plans can bring you closer together and help everyone feel more confident about the future.

Where can I get Power of Attorney forms?

At Skipton we don’t currently offer Power of Attorney services – but there are options:

Powers of Attorney are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Looking for free advice on your money?

If you're thinking about your other financial plans, book a My Money Review. It's a friendly chat where you can discuss your finances, ask questions - and get personal recommendations.

(Please note: we don't offer Power of Attorney advice.)

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