Managing someone else’s affairs

Managing someone else’s affairs can mean a number of things. It can include looking after their bank accounts, claiming benefits on their behalf, or making decisions about their health and personal care.

There are a number of different ways that you can manage somebody’s affairs. This can include several types of lasting power of attorney.

What is a lasting power of attorney (LPA)?

An LPA allows you to set out in advance what you would like to happen if you become unable to make your own decisions.  An LPA is a legally binding document and there are two different types:

• a property and financial affairs LPA is for decisions about finances, such as selling the person's house or managing their bank account
• a health and welfare LPA is for decisions about both health and personal welfare, such as where to live, day-to-day care or having medical treatment

Where to start

The Citizens Advice Bureau can tell you about how to apply for lasting power of attorney. You can find out more about managing someone else’s affairs on their website.

You can also visit GOV.UK where you can:

• apply for a lasting power of attorney online
• read about making decisions on someone else's behalf if they're unable to do so 

A lasting power of attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used.