Running a donor's household budget
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
Written and legally reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner·Last reviewed 13 August 2026
The single rule that prevents almost every attorney problem: never mix their money with yours.
Setting up in the first month
- List all income: pensions, benefits, rent, interest.
- List all outgoings: care fees, utilities, insurance, subscriptions.
- Register the LPA with each provider.
- Cancel what is no longer needed and consolidate small dormant accounts.
- Set up a simple monthly budget and a reserve for unexpected costs.
Keeping money separate
- Never move the donor's money into your own account, even briefly.
- Never pay your household bills from their account.
- Reimburse your own expenses only, with receipts.
- Use their card for their purchases only — never for shared shopping without a clear split.
Mixed accounts are the usual trigger
Most OPG investigations start with money moving from the donor's account to an attorney's, however innocently.
Records that satisfy anyone
| Keep | How long |
|---|---|
| Bank statements | Whole period of acting |
| Care fee invoices and receipts | Whole period |
| Notes of significant decisions | Whole period |
| Receipts for expenses you reclaim | Whole period |
More detail in attorney record keeping.
Common questions
Can I claim mileage for visiting the donor?
Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses directly related to acting as attorney can be reclaimed, with records. Ordinary family visits generally cannot.
Can I use the donor's money to pay for something we share, like a holiday together?
Only their own proportionate share, and only if it is in their interests. Anything else is a gift and needs care.
Read next
Where this fits
This page is part of Money, tax and property. The pages below take it further.
- Property & Financial Affairs LPA
The LP1F: money, bills, savings, property and everything a bank will ask for.
- Make an LPA online
The whole journey end to end: questions, documents, signing and registration.
Review and sources
Reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner. Last reviewed 13 August 2026. We recheck fees, forms and Office of the Public Guardian guidance whenever they change — see our editorial policy.
Official sources
Ready to make your LPA?
Answer five quick questions to check the service suits you, then start online for £49 per LPA.
The Office of the Public Guardian charges a separate £92 to register each LPA.
This is general information about how Lasting Powers of Attorney work in England and Wales. It is not legal advice about your situation. What we do and do not do.
Published by Estate Advisory Group