Why it’s More Important Than Ever to Get Your LPA Professionally Prepared

As of November 2025, the cost of registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) has increased, and the system for preparing LPAs is undergoing a major overhaul, with a shift towards digitalisation.

While the intention behind these changes is to streamline the process, many professionals are concerned that the new system may unintentionally increase the risk of fraud, abuse, and errors. Now more than ever, having your LPA professionally prepared is not just a smart choice,  it’s also a protective one.

Hidden risks of DIY LPAs

DIY LPAs often lack the nuance and foresight needed to truly safeguard your interests. Common pitfalls include:

• Incorrect or incomplete forms that get rejected by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).

• Inadequate safeguarding clauses, leaving room for abuse or misinterpretation.

• Poorly chosen attorneys without proper guidance on roles and responsibilities.

• No contingency planning for “what ifs” like an attorney becoming ill, moving abroad, or disagreeing with others.

Unfortunately, these issues aren’t just theoretical , and  they happen more often than you’d think.

What professionals bring to the table

As solicitors, we don’t just fill in forms. We ask the right questions, anticipate complications, and craft bespoke clauses that reflect your unique circumstances. We ensure:

• Safeguarding policies are built into the document.

• ID verification is handled securely and correctly.

• Attorney roles are clearly defined and legally sound.

• Contingency planning is thorough and practical.

Mrs B’s Story: A Case for Professional LPAs

Take Mrs B, for example. She came to us with very specific wishes: she wanted her attorneys to consult certain people on certain subjects, but not others. Through a series of detailed conversations, we guided her through numerous “what ifs and buts”  -  scenarios she admitted she wouldn’t have thought of herself.

Together, we crafted bespoke clauses that not only reflected her wishes but were also acceptable to the OPG. Her feedback was telling: she said her friend had her daughter prepare a DIY LPA, for which Mrs B was the certificate provider. That document had none of the safeguards, no consultation clauses, and certainly no “what ifs and buts,” as she called them.

Mrs B described the experience as “an eye-opener” and said it was a reminder that “you don’t know what you don’t know.” She was deeply relieved to have taken professional advice.

Professional Attorneys: A Growing Need

At Solomons Solicitors, we don’t just help clients prepare LPAs  -  we also act as professional independent attorneys for those who either don’t have close friends or relatives to appoint, or who simply want to avoid burdening loved ones during difficult times.

This role is especially valuable in avoiding conflicts of interest, emotional strain, or situations where family dynamics may complicate decision-making. In fact, we’re seeing a noticeable increase in clients asking our highly experienced lawyers to take on this responsibility. They value the reassurance of knowing their affairs will be handled with professionalism, neutrality, and care.

Certificate Providers: A Built-In Safeguard

At Solomons Solicitors, we act as certificate providers as standard when we’re not named attorneys. This role is often overlooked in DIY applications, yet it’s a critical safeguard.

As certificate providers, we confirm that:

• The person making the LPA understands the document and its implications.

• They are not being pressured or coerced.

• They have mental capacity at the time of signing.

This independent check adds a layer of protection that’s especially important in complex family situations or where vulnerability is a concern. It also reassures the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) that the LPA has been prepared with proper oversight,  reducing the risk of rejection or future disputes.

Cost vs. Value

While professional LPAs do come with a fee, the value they offer far outweighs the cost. A well-drafted LPA can:

• Prevent family disputes.

• Protect against financial abuse.

• Ensure your health and welfare decisions reflect your true wishes.

• Avoid costly delays or rejections during registration.

Don’t Leave It to Chance

Your future deserves more than a tick-box exercise. LPAs are powerful legal tools, and the upcoming changes to the system make professional guidance more important than ever.

If you’re considering an LPA, don’t go it alone. Contact us at Solomons Solicitors for expert advice tailored to your needs, and peace of mind that your wishes will be protected.