MOORLINKS ARTICLE November – December 2026

A Time for Family and Reflection

Christmas is a time for family, traditions and making memories with the people who matter most.

It is also often a time when families notice changes that may have gone unseen during everyday life. An elderly parent who seems less confident than last year. A loved one struggling with paperwork or finances. Concerns about health, memory or future care needs that have never really been discussed.

These conversations are not always easy, but they are often among the most important.

Planning for the Unexpected

None of us likes to think about becoming unable to make our own decisions. Yet illness, accidents and age-related conditions can affect any of us, often with little warning.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if there comes a time when you are unable to do so yourself.

There are two types of LPA. One covers Property and Financial Affairs, allowing chosen attorneys to manage matters such as bank accounts, pensions and property. The other covers Health and Welfare, enabling trusted individuals to make decisions about care, medical treatment and day-to-day wellbeing.

An LPA is not about giving up control. It is about ensuring your wishes are understood and that the people you trust can act when it matters most.

A Common Misunderstanding

Many people assume that a husband, wife, partner or adult child can automatically step in if something happens. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Without an LPA, even close family members may have no legal authority to manage finances or make important decisions. If capacity has already been lost, families may need to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order, a process that can be lengthy, costly and stressful.

At Paladin Advocates, we often meet families facing these challenges when they are already coping with illness, changing care needs or difficult circumstances. As professional attorneys, we regularly see the difficulties that arise when no LPA is in place.

Choosing the Right Attorney

For many people, an attorney will be a family member or close friend. However, not everyone has someone suitable available, and some prefer the reassurance of an independent professional.

A professional attorney can provide experience, objectivity and continuity. At Paladin Advocates, we can act as professional attorneys, either independently or alongside family members, providing trusted support when it is needed most.

Protecting What Matters Most

Christmas and the New Year provide a natural opportunity to reflect and plan ahead. While conversations about the future are not always easy, they can provide reassurance for everyone involved.

Whether you are considering appointing a family member, a friend or a professional attorney, putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place today can prevent uncertainty tomorrow and provide peace of mind for both you and those closest to you.

If you would like to discuss Lasting Powers of Attorney, appointing a professional attorney or your wider circumstances, please get in touch with the team at Paladin Advocates. We are always happy to help.