LPAs if you are single or have no children
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
Written and legally reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner·Last reviewed 13 August 2026
The fewer obvious candidates you have, the more an LPA matters — because the default is a court-appointed stranger.
Who people appoint instead
- A sibling, niece or nephew.
- A long-standing friend, with a younger replacement named behind them.
- A trusted colleague or business partner for the financial LPA only.
- A professional attorney — a solicitor or accountant, who will charge fees.
Balancing age and distance
Appointing a friend of your own age is fine, but name at least one younger replacement attorney. Distance matters more for health decisions than financial ones, since care meetings happen in person.
Using a professional
A professional will not act for free, and most will only take the financial LPA. Expect hourly charges or a percentage of assets. See professional attorneys and fees. A common compromise is a friend for health decisions and a professional for finances.
Ask before you name anyone
Nobody can be forced to act. An attorney who declines when the time comes leaves you relying on your replacements.
Common questions
Can I appoint someone who lives abroad?
Legally yes, though practically it is difficult for banks and care decisions. See can an attorney live abroad.
What if I genuinely have nobody?
A professional attorney for finances plus a clear advance statement about care is the usual route. Doing nothing means a court-appointed deputy, often a local authority officer.
Read next
Where this fits
This page is part of LPA basics. The pages below take it further.
- Make an LPA online
The whole journey end to end: questions, documents, signing and registration.
- Solicitor, GOV.UK or online?
An honest comparison, including when you genuinely should pay a solicitor.
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