If you’re caring for a family member or friend, you’re already juggling a lot. Planning a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the best and most practical New Years resolutions you can make – for the person you care for and to yourself.
Why these matter
It keeps life running smoothly. An LPA lets a trusted person step in to manage money, bills and benefits if the cared‑for person can’t. With a Property & Financial Affairs LPA, you can keep the lights on, pay the rent, and avoid frozen accounts or missed payments.
It safeguards health and care decisions. A Health & Welfare LPA means choices about treatment, care routines and living arrangements can be made by someone who knows the person well—only if they’re unable to decide for themselves. It reduces stress, avoids disputes, and centres the person’s wishes.
It prevents costly delays. Without an LPA, families often have to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship—more paperwork, more time, and ongoing reporting. Putting an LPA in place while the person has mental capacity avoids those hurdles.
A Will brings clarity and comfort. A Will sets out who inherits what, names executors to handle the paperwork, and can record guardianship wishes for dependants. Done early and reviewed as life changes, it removes uncertainty and reduces the risk of disputes at a difficult time.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Make a New Years resolution to complete yours during 2026 and start with a simple conversation about wishes. You could also attend one of our upcoming sessions on Wills on LPA that will be hosted by our friends at the Money Charity (dates to be confirmed)
Whilst writing your will you may also like to leave a legacy donation to Suffolk Family Carers to help us continue the work we do for family carers
