Free two-minute check

Is being married enough?

Many couples assume that if one of them became ill, the other could simply take over. Answer six quick questions to see what your husband, wife or partner could and couldn’t do for you.

Your answers stay on this page. Nothing is saved or sent unless you ask us to email your results.

1Are you…
2Your home
3Do you have any of these?

Tick all that apply.

4Do you bank online?
5Do you have a Will?
6Have you made a power of attorney?

There are two types of LPA: one for property and money, one for health and care.

These are example answers. Change any of them to see your own result.

If you couldn’t make your own decisions tomorrow

Being married wouldn’t be enough

Without an LPA, your husband or wife would be stuck on all 6 things below.

Could your husband or wife…

  • Can’t

    Use money in your name

    Your husband or wife couldn’t use accounts or savings in your name. ISAs are always in one name, so they’re included.

  • Can’t

    Deal with your pensions and investments

    Your husband or wife couldn’t deal with them for you.

  • Can’t

    Sell the home you own jointly

    Not without first getting authority to act for your share, for example if it had to be sold to pay for care.

  • Can’t

    Use your online banking

    Nobody can simply log in with your details. That can break the bank’s terms and the Computer Misuse Act.

  • Can’t

    Make decisions about your health and care

    Doctors and social workers would decide what’s in your best interests. They should talk to your husband or wife, but the decision isn’t theirs.

  • Restricted

    Keep your joint account running

    Often not. When a bank learns that one joint account holder has lost capacity, it will typically freeze the account, or limit it to essentials.

Your Will doesn’t help here

An executor can only act after death. A Will and an LPA do different jobs, and most people need both.

Sorting it out later costs more

All four LPAs for both of you, made now£663
A deputyship for one of you, first five years£2,132
LPAUsually 8 to 10 weeks to register, arranged while you’re well.
DeputyshipUsually several months, and nobody can act for you in the meantime.

The LPA figure is our fee plus £92 per LPA to register, paid to the government. The deputyship figure is court and supervision fees only: £432 to apply, a £100 assessment fee, then usually £320 a year. Many deputies also pay a solicitor.

What would cover it

Four LPAs, two each

Each of you makes a property and financial affairs LPA and a health and welfare LPA. There’s no joint LPA for a couple, and you can choose each other as attorneys.

£295for all four LPAs for the two of you, plus £92 per LPA to register, paid to the government

  • Checked by a professional before you sign
  • Printed and posted to you, ready to sign
  • You bank online, so your money LPA needs wording that lets your attorneys do the same. Our form asks about it.
  • Usually 8 to 10 weeks to register
Start your LPAs

Run a company, or think your family might not agree? Our team at Futura Planning offers a full-service LPA.

It’s never too early, but it can be too late. An LPA can only be made while you can understand what you’re signing.

Where this comes from

General information about the law in England and Wales, checked in October 2026. It isn’t advice for your situation. Government fees can change; the deputyship fees are £432 to apply, £100 for the assessment and usually £320 a year.