Lasting Power of Attorney · Bristol
Protect yourself and those you love — set up your Bristol LPA today.
Futura Planning are specialist Lasting Power of Attorney advisers serving Bristol and surrounding areas. We handle everything from first conversation to Office of the Public Guardian registration — with home visits across Bristol or online via Teams. Full members of the Society of Willwriters.
Full Member of the Society of Willwriters
Free initial conversation with no obligation
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Understanding Lasting Power of Attorney
The two types of LPA — and what each one does
A Lasting Power of Attorney lets you appoint people you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental or physical capacity. There are two distinct types, and many Bristol residents choose to set up both at the same time.
Health and Welfare
This LPA gives your attorneys the power to make personal care and medical decisions on your behalf. Unlike the Financial LPA, it can only be used once you no longer have mental capacity to make those decisions yourself.
- Accept or refuse medical treatment on your behalf
- Speak to doctors, consultants and care staff
- Make decisions about where you live and your daily care
- Include decisions about life-sustaining treatment
- Ensure your personal wishes are documented and respected
Without this LPA, hospitals and care homes in Bristol make decisions based on clinical guidelines alone — not necessarily what you would have chosen.
Property & Financial Affairs
This LPA gives your chosen attorneys the legal power to manage your financial life — from day-to-day banking to significant property decisions. It can be used while you still have capacity (if you choose) or only once you've lost it.
- Manage bank accounts, savings and investments
- Pay bills, rent or mortgage on your behalf
- Buy or sell property — including your Bristol home
- Collect your pension and benefits
- Deal with HMRC and other financial institutions
Don't leave it too late
An LPA can only be set up while you still have mental capacity
This is the single most important fact about Lasting Power of Attorney — and the reason so many Bristol families end up in a much harder situation than they needed to be in. Contact us for further information on how we can help.
You can't apply after capacity is lost
Once someone has lost mental capacity, an LPA can no longer be created. The only alternative is a Court of Protection Deputyship Order — a process that is significantly more expensive, slower, and stressful for families.
A diagnosis doesn't mean it's too late — yet
Many people can still make a valid LPA after a dementia or other cognitive diagnosis, provided they have sufficient capacity at the time of signing. The sooner you act, the simpler the process.
Capacity loss can be sudden
A stroke, accident, or sudden illness can remove the ability to create an LPA overnight — not just dementia. Setting up an LPA while you're well is planning for the unexpected, at any age.
Frozen bank accounts and property
Without a Financial LPA, banks freeze accounts when capacity is lost. Spouses and family members — however trusted — have no legal authority to access funds or manage a Bristol property without a court order.
Court of Protection: time and cost
A Deputyship application through the Court of Protection can take 12 months or more, and costs far more than an LPA. For a Bristol family managing a parent's care, that gap can be deeply disruptive.
It takes around 20 weeks to register
The Office of the Public Guardian currently takes around 20 weeks to process and register an LPA once submitted. The sooner you start, the sooner it's legally effective. We handle the OPG submission for you.
Who is this page for?
Two audiences — one essential document
We find that enquiries about LPAs in Bristol come from two quite different groups. Both matter equally, and we're experienced in helping both.
For Bristol residents planning ahead
You're reading this because you've started thinking about what would happen if you lost capacity — through illness, accident or dementia. You want to make sure the right people are legally empowered to manage your finances and health decisions, and that your wishes are properly recorded.
You don't have to be old to need an LPA. Capacity can be lost at any age through accident or illness. Many of our Bristol clients setting up LPAs are in their 40s, 50s and 60s — well, active, and planning ahead sensibly.
Setting up a Property & Financial Affairs LPA and a Health & Welfare LPA at the same time is the most efficient and cost-effective approach. We explain both clearly and guide you through the right choices for your circumstances.
For adult children arranging an LPA for a parent
You're worried about a parent — perhaps they've been diagnosed with dementia, had a health scare, or you've simply noticed that things are becoming harder for them. You want to get an LPA in place before it's too late, and you're doing the research on their behalf.
This is something we handle with particular care. We take time to ensure your parent or relative understands what they're signing and is fully comfortable with the process. We speak clearly and without jargon, and we'll visit them at home so they don't need to travel.
If you're concerned that capacity may already be borderline, please mention this when you get in touch — we'll discuss the situation sensitively and advise honestly on whether an LPA is still possible.
SERVING BRISTOL — HOME VISITS ACROSS THE CITY
Bristol LPA specialists — we come to you
Futura Planning is based in Churchill, just minutes from Weston. We're not a national firm that happens to serve your postcode. We live and work here.
Bristol is a city of over 459,000 people — with around 28% of the population aged 50 or over, and 62,300 residents aged 65 and above. In areas like Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze in the north-west of the city, nearly one in four residents is 65 or older — well above the Bristol average. Clifton, Sneyd Park, and Stoke Bishop have similarly established, older-leaning communities. These are the Bristol neighbourhoods where LPAs matter most, and where demand for a professional, local service is real.
Property values in Bristol's desirable suburbs — Redland, Clifton, Bishopston, Henleaze — commonly reach £700,000 to over £1 million. For homeowners at these values, a Property & Financial Affairs LPA is particularly important: without one, no one has the legal authority to manage, sell or remortgage your Bristol property if you lose capacity — not even your spouse.
We visit clients at home throughout Bristol — from Georgian townhouses in Clifton to Victorian terraces in Bishopston, family homes in Westbury-on-Trym to flats in Hotwells. We also offer online appointments via Microsoft Teams for clients who prefer not to have a visitor at home, or whose family members are arranging things from a distance.
BRISTOL POSTCODES AND AREAS WE COVER
Clifton & Hotwells (BS8)
Redland & Cotham (BS6)
Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze (BS9)
Stoke Bishop & Sneyd Park (BS9)
City Centre & Harbourside (BS1)
Keynsham & Saltford (BS31)
Southville & Bedminster (BS3)
Bishopston & Horfield (BS7)
Kingswood & Hanham (BS15)
Brislington & Knowle (BS4)
Fishponds & Downend (BS16)
Online — anywhere in Bristol or beyond
Why Bristol residents choose Futura Planning for their LPA
Full service, start to finish.
We don't just draft your LPA documents — we guide you through choosing your attorneys, completing the forms correctly, arranging the certificate provider, and submitting to the Office of the Public Guardian. You don't have to deal with the OPG yourself.
We visit you at home across Bristol.
Whether you're in Clifton, Redland, Westbury-on-Trym or Brislington, we'll arrange a home visit at a time that suits — including evenings and weekends. Or meet us online via Teams.
Society of Willwriters members.
We are full, qualified members of the Society of Willwriters — the professional body for will writing and LPA practitioners in the UK. Our membership gives you the protection of a regulated service.
Sensitive and unhurried.
LPA appointments can touch on difficult subjects — health concerns, family dynamics, capacity worries. We always take the time needed and never rush. Call 01934 442030 for a free, no-obligation chat.
SERVING EVERY PART OF BRISTOL
LPA home visits across Bristol's neighbourhoods
We visit clients at home throughout the city. Here are some of the Bristol communities where LPA demand is highest — and where we work most regularly.
BS8 · WEST BRISTOL
Clifton, Hotwells & Sneyd Park
Clifton's Georgian terraces and townhouses are among Bristol's most valuable properties — with prices commonly reaching £800,000 to over £1.5 million. A Property & Financial LPA is especially important for Clifton homeowners, ensuring their most significant asset remains manageable if capacity is lost.
BS9 · NORTH-WEST BRISTOL
Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze
With 23.5% of residents aged 65 or older — the highest proportion in Bristol — Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze is the city's single most LPA-relevant neighbourhood. A village-feel community of established families, where planning ahead is taken seriously. We visit this area regularly.
BS6 · NORTH BRISTOL
Redland & Cotham
Beautiful Victorian villas and Edwardian semis in one of Bristol's most sought-after residential areas. Home to many long-established families — often with grown children who are the ones initiating an LPA conversation on behalf of an ageing parent.
BS7 · NORTH BRISTOL
Bishopston & Horfield
One of Bristol's most family-friendly neighbourhoods, with spacious Victorian and Edwardian homes along Gloucester Road and surrounding streets. Many middle-aged Bristol couples in Bishopston are thinking about LPAs for the first time — often prompted by a parent's diagnosis.
BS3 · SOUTH BRISTOL
Southville & Bedminster
Increasingly popular with young families and professionals, Southville has a strong independent community feel. LPAs are relevant at any age — and we regularly help younger Bristol residents who want to plan ahead sensibly without waiting for a health concern to prompt them.
BS31 · SOUTH-EAST
Keynsham & Saltford
Popular commuter settlements between Bristol and Bath. Keynsham has a significant older population and a strong sense of community. We cover Keynsham and Saltford fully — both home visits and online appointments are available for residents in these areas.
HOW IT WORKS
Your Bristol LPA, from start to registration — we handle everything
Setting up an LPA involves several steps, but we manage the whole process for you. Here's what to expect.
01
Free Consultation
Call us or submit the form. We'll have a no-obligation chat about your situation, explain the two types of LPA, and answer every question you have before you commit to anything.
02
Home Visit or Teams
We meet you at home anywhere in Bristol, or via Microsoft Teams. We take your instructions, help you choose your attorneys and preferences, and explain every section of the document.
Documents Drafted & Signed
We prepare your LPA documents and send them to you for review. Once approved, you sign with your certificate provider and attorneys — we guide you through the exact signing requirements.
OPG Registration
We submit your completed LPA to the Office of the Public Guardian for registration. The OPG currently takes around 20 weeks. We keep you updated and handle any queries they raise.
transparent pricing
What does an LPA cost in Bristol?
We believe in complete pricing transparency. Here's everything you need to know about the cost of setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney with Futura Planning in Bristol.
FUTURA PLANNING FEE (PER LPA)
From £299
Our professional fee covers the full service — consultation, document preparation, certificate provider guidance, signing support, and OPG submission. Fixed fee, quoted upfront.
MOST POPULAR — BOTH LPAS TOGETHER
From £449
Property & Financial Affairs LPA plus Health & Welfare LPA — both set up together in a single appointment. The most efficient and cost-effective option for most Bristol clients.
OPG REGISTRATION FEE (GOVERNMENT)
£92
Per LPA. Paid to the Office of the Public Guardian for registering each LPA. We handle the submission — you pay this fee directly to the OPG as part of the process.
Total cost example: Both LPAs set up together — Futura Planning fee from £449 + OPG registration £92 × 2 = from £633 in total for a fully registered pair of LPAs. No hidden fees, no hourly rates, no surprises. Those on lower incomes may be eligible for a reduced OPG fee — ask us when you enquire.
HOW WE MEET
Two ways to set up your Bristol LPA
Choose what works for you and your family. Both options offer exactly the same professional service and full OPG submission support.
Home Visit
We visit you at home — anywhere across Bristol, from Clifton to Brislington, Westbury-on-Trym to Keynsham. Particularly suitable for older residents or anyone who finds travelling difficult.
- No travel required — we come to you in Bristol
- Ideal for older residents and those with mobility needs
- Some evening & weekend appointments available
- Covers all Bristol BS postcodes & surrounding areas
Online via Microsoft Teams
The same professional LPA service, delivered in a one-to-one video call. Ideal for adult children arranging an LPA for a parent, busy Bristol professionals, or anyone who prefers to meet virtually.
- Expert LPA advice without a home visit
- Ideal for busy professionals or remote family members
- Single or joint LPA appointments
- Same full OPG submission service included
common questions
Frequently asked questions about LPAs in Bristol
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more trusted people — called attorneys — to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental or physical capacity. There are two types: Property and Financial Affairs (managing money, property and finances) and Health and Welfare (medical and care decisions). Both must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.
How much does an LPA cost in Bristol?
Futura Planning's fee starts from £299 per LPA, with both LPAs together from £449 and further savings for a couple wanting all four LPAs. In addition, the Office of the Public Guardian charges a registration fee of £92 per LPA — paid directly to the OPG. We handle the full submission process, so you don't need to deal with the OPG yourself. All fees are fixed and quoted upfront.
How long does an LPA take to set up?
After your appointment, we prepare your documents within a few working days. Once signed and submitted to the OPG, registration currently takes around 20 weeks. The LPA is not legally effective until it is registered, which is why starting as soon as possible matters. We manage the OPG submission and keep you informed throughout.
Can I still set up an LPA if I've already been diagnosed with dementia?
Possibly — it depends on whether you still have sufficient mental capacity at the time of making the LPA. Many people can validly create an LPA following a dementia diagnosis, particularly in the early stages. If this is a concern for your situation, please call us on 01934 442030 — we'll discuss it sensitively and give you an honest assessment.
What happens if I lose capacity without an LPA in place?
Without an LPA, no one — not your spouse, not your children — has legal authority to manage your finances, access your accounts, or make decisions about your care. The only route is a Court of Protection Deputyship Order, which typically takes 12 months or more, costs significantly more than an LPA, and requires annual reporting to the court. It's the alternative nobody wants.
Do I need both types of LPA?
Most Bristol residents benefit from having both. The Property & Financial Affairs LPA protects your money and home. The Health & Welfare LPA ensures your wishes about medical treatment and care are respected. Setting them up together is more efficient and more cost-effective than doing them separately. We'll discuss both in your free consultation and help you decide what's right for your situation.
Do you also offer Will writing in Bristol?
Yes — many Bristol clients set up both an LPA and a Will at the same time, which is the most comprehensive approach to protecting your estate and your wellbeing. We offer the full range of will writing and estate planning services, with home visits and online appointments across Bristol. See our full services page for more.
My parent lives in Bristol and I'm arranging this for them — can you help?
Absolutely — this is one of the most common situations we handle. We can visit your parent at their home anywhere in Bristol, or arrange a Teams call if that's more practical. We speak directly with the person making the LPA and take time to ensure they fully understand and are comfortable with everything. Please do mention if there are any capacity concerns when you get in touch, so we can plan the appointment appropriately.
Also thinking about a Will?
Most Bristol residents who set up an LPA also benefit from reviewing or creating a Will at the same time. We offer the full range of will writing and estate planning services — single Wills, mirror Wills, property trust Wills, and more. Many clients do everything in a single appointment, which saves time and ensures your whole estate is properly protected.
Don't wait until it's too late to set up your LPA.
A Lasting Power of Attorney can only be created while you still have mental capacity. For Bristol residents — whatever your age or health — now is always the right time to get this in place. The first conversation is free.