Power of attorney service

Don’t wait for life to change, be in control by planning ahead.

 

Life doesn’t always go to plan

If you lose the ability to make decisions, who’ll step in? 

A power of attorney lets you choose someone to act on your behalf, whether it’s managing your money, your welfare, or both.

Set up a power of attorney

A power of attorney isn't just for later in life. Let’s bust this myth

78% of adults in the UK don’t have a power of attorney in place. Without one, the process is lengthy and costly, decisions could be delayed and made by someone you wouldn’t choose.

 

Not sure where to start?

Let us guide you through all you need to know.

You will learn about:

  • Why a power of attorney is important
  • What can happen if you don't have one
  • Why use our service
  • Choosing an attorney(s).

Why a power of attorney is important. It’s not just paperwork, it’s peace of mind.

It's like an insurance for your future financial and physical wellbeing. Setting up a power of attorney is a considered legal process which is straightforward but takes time to complete.

It's peace of mind for both your financial and welfare needs, accident, or unexpected life events. It’s not about age - it’s about being prepared.

No power of attorney? Losing capacity could mean delays, costs, and lengthy legal processes.

Without a power of attorney, even urgent decisions - like paying bills or arranging care - can be delayed. The legal process to appoint someone in your place through the Office of the Public Guardian can take months, cost thousands, and cause uncertainty and stress.

In the meantime, no one, not even your closest family, can make decisions on your behalf. If the unexpected happens, someone you didn't choose could end up making decisions about your health, finances, or future. Creating a legal document gives you certainty and ensures your wishes are followed.

Why choose the Scottish Widows power of attorney service?

Moving you forward

We work with trusted legal professionals to help you set up a power of attorney that reflects your needs - so the right people can act for you when it matters most.

Choosing your attorney(s). Pick your people - before someone else does
 

Your attorney(s) should be people you trust to act in your best interests. You can appoint one or more individuals - and in some cases, professionals. They can act jointly (making decisions together) or independently. It’s important to give clear instructions about how they should act, especially if you want them to consult each other or follow specific preferences. 

Many of our customers choose the same people as the executors of their will, helping ensure consistency and clarity across their plans. 

There are two main types of power of attorney:

  • Financial decisions: They cover decisions about money, bills, property, and financial matters.
  • Health and care decisions: They cover decisions about medical treatment, care, and daily routines.

They are referred to as lasting power of attorney in England and Wales and power of attorney in Scotland. Other types of attorney services exist, see our common questions below. Please be aware that in Scotland there are different types of power of attorney available depending on your requirements.

The law varies slightly across the UK (England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland), but the core principles are the same: it’s about giving someone the legal authority to act when you’re unable to.

Common questions about power of attorney

 

  • Most people can grant powers of attorney - you just need the mental capacity to understand the implications of your decisions. You must also be 18 years or over in England and Wales, and 16 years or over in Scotland.

  • An attorney is someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you're no longer able to. 

    You can choose more than one attorney. You can also choose different attorneys for property and financial decisions or for health and care decisions.

    An attorney is able to act upon a financial power of attorney once you have provided consent and it has been registered.

  • Our service offers tailored support and guidance from legal professionals. This guarantees that we do everything correctly and avoid mistakes that could delay or invalidate your power of attorney. 

    We help you understand all the options and make sure your wishes are clear so that the document works as you want it to. This removes the stress of navigating legal details on your own.

  • You can't arrange a power of attorney on someone else's behalf, but you can help them through the process. Remember, the person creating the power of attorney must have the mental capacity to give the instructions themselves.

  • If you can still make decisions, you can revoke your power of attorney. Then, you can create a new one. It's important to feel good about the person you've chosen to manage your affairs.

  • You don't need to register your power of attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian right away. However, you should do it sooner rather than later. 

    Our service registers your power of attorney. This way, it'll be ready to use when you need it. You can opt out of this if you want. 

    Remember, registration can take weeks or months. The power of attorney can only be used after it has been registered. A health and care power of attorney can only be used once the person who created the power of attorney has lost the capacity to make their own decisions.

Set up a power of attorney?

The law varies across the UK. You need to tell us where you live so that we can get you started.  

You will be taken to the providers website when you click through the next stages. Click through to visit our trusted partners and start your application.

 

I live in England or Wales

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Learn about power of attorney

I live in Scotland

We’re here to make it easier. Whether you’re considering making a will or appointing a power of attorney (POA), we can help.

Will writing and POA

 

The power of attorney service is provided by Hugh James Solicitors in England & Wales and Brodies in Scotland. Referrals to Hugh James and Brodies are made by Lloyds Bank plc, which is also part of Lloyds Banking Group.

Explore your options

We want to make sure you know about our other options. Here are some that might suit you.

Life changes. So should your will

Whether you're buying a house, starting a family, or going through a breakup, your will should keep up with you. 

Without one, the law decides who gets what. And it might not be who you would expect. 

Will writing service