The Importance of Professional Attorney When You Have No Trusted Family or Friends

When preparing for the future, one of the most powerful legal tools available is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This document allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lose the mental capacity to make them yourself. But what if you don’t have a spouse, children, close family members or trusted friends, who would you feel comfortable entrusting with such responsibility?

Who will make legal decisions for you?

For many people, particularly those who are single, child-free, or part of the LGBTQ+ community, this question can be deeply unsettling. Yet, it is increasingly common in modern society. The good news is that you don’t need to face the future alone. You can appoint a professional attorney, such as a solicitor, to act in your best interests and to protect your assets for you.

Why a Lasting Power of Attorney?

An LPA comes in two forms:

• Health and Welfare LPA – empowers someone to make decisions about your medical treatment, daily care, or even life-sustaining treatment.
• Property and Financial Affairs LPA – allows someone to manage your bank accounts, pay your bills, or even sell your home if needed.

Without an LPA in place, you won’t get to choose who would make decisions for you if you lose capacity,

No Trusted Family or Friends?

It’s not uncommon to feel unsure about who to appoint as an attorney. Perhaps you are:

• Single or widowed, with no close relatives.
• Estranged from your family.
• LGBTQ+, and your relationships may not be legally or socially recognised.
• Without children, or with children who are too young or live abroad.
• Living a private or independent life, where your closest companions are not necessarily equipped to manage financial or legal matters.

In these situations, appointing a professional attorney, such as a solicitor, offers a secure and impartial solution.

What are the Benefits of a Professional Attorney?

1. Impartiality and Professionalism
A solicitor has a legal and ethical duty to act in your best interests. Family pressures or personal emotions will not sway them. Decisions are made strictly in line with your wishes, the law and your best interest.

2. Continuity and Experience
Law firms like our team at G&H have robust systems in place to support clients over the long term. Even if your individual solicitor retires or changes role, the firm ensures that your affairs remain properly managed.

3. Asset Protection and Legal Compliance
A professional attorney will keep accurate records, file tax returns, manage property, and make investment decisions with expert care. This is especially important when substantial assets or complex financial arrangements are involved.

4. Safeguarding Your Welfare
Should you become unable to make decisions for yourself, a professional attorney can liaise with healthcare professionals, care providers, and housing officers to ensure you are treated with dignity and receive the care you deserve.

5. LGBTQ+ Awareness and Sensitivity
At Garner & Hancock, we understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you are estranged from your biological family, in a non-traditional relationship, or simply want to ensure your chosen family is respected, we offer a non-judgmental, inclusive service tailored to you.

Why Should You Appoint Garner & Hancock as Your Professional Attorney

Our private client team has extensive experience in acting as attorneys under LPAs. We will take the time to understand your values, your concerns, and your preferences, so that if the time comes, we can step in and act with compassion, integrity, and precision.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to rely on luck, default court processes, or reluctant acquaintances. With a Lasting Power of Attorney and a trusted professional attorney, you take control of your future.

If you are uncertain about who to appoint, or you are part of a community where traditional family support isn’t available or appropriate, we are here to help.

Contact Garner & Hancock Solicitors today to discuss how we can support you in setting up a secure and compassionate LPA arrangement tailored to your life and values.