Why Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney Matter for Younger Adults

When it comes to planning for the future, many people assume that Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are only relevant later in life. In reality, putting these documents in place earlier can prevent significant stress and uncertainty if the unexpected happens.

For younger adults, whether you’re building a career, buying a home, or starting a family, having the right legal protections in place is less about age and more about control, clarity, and peace of mind.

Planning Ahead Is About Practicality, Not Age

It’s easy to see estate planning as something to revisit “later”. However, life rarely follows a predictable timeline.

Unexpected illness, accidents or even temporary incapacity can create immediate challenges. Without the right legal documents in place, those closest to you may not have the authority to step in and help.

Planning ahead is not about pessimism, it’s about ensuring that the people you trust can support you if needed.

The Often Overlooked Role of a Lasting Power of Attorney

While Wills tend to get more attention, LPAs are equally important, particularly for younger individuals.

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.

There are two key types:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covering matters such as managing bank accounts, paying bills or dealing with property
• Health and Welfare LPA – covering decisions about medical treatment, care and living arrangements

These documents serve very different purposes, and many people choose to have both in place.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an LPA?

A common misconception is that a partner or family member can automatically make decisions on your behalf. In reality, this is not the case.

If you lose capacity without an LPA:

• Your loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection
• This process can be time-consuming and costly
• Decisions may be delayed at a time when urgent action is needed

For many families, this creates unnecessary stress during already difficult circumstances.

Why This Matters for Younger People Specifically

Younger adults often assume they don’t yet have enough assets or responsibilities to justify formal planning. However, there are several situations where having a Will and LPA in place becomes particularly important:

1. You Have Financial Commitments

Mortgages, rent, loans or business interests all require ongoing management. An LPA ensures someone can step in to handle these if needed.

2. You Live with a Partner

Without a Will, unmarried partners are not automatically entitled to inherit your estate, which can lead to unintended outcomes.

3. You Travel or Work Abroad

If you are temporarily unavailable or incapacitated, an LPA allows someone to manage your affairs in your absence.

4. You Simply Want Control

Planning ahead gives you the ability to decide who makes decisions for you rather than leaving it to the courts.

Wills and LPAs: How They Work Together

A Will and an LPA serve different but complementary purposes:

• A Will deals with what happens to your assets after death
• An LPA deals with what happens during your lifetime if you cannot make decisions

Having both in place creates a more complete plan, ensuring continuity and clarity in a wide range of situations.

Making It Easier for the People Around You

One of the biggest benefits of putting these documents in place early is the impact it has on your loved ones.

Without clear legal authority, even simple tasks like accessing a bank account or speaking to utility providers can become complicated.

By contrast, having a Will and LPA in place:

• Reduces uncertainty
• Avoids delays
• Provides clear guidance on your wishes

Ultimately, it allows those closest to you to focus on supporting you, rather than navigating legal obstacles.

How Hegarty Can Help

Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney are not about age, they are about being prepared.

Taking steps now can make a significant difference later, ensuring that your wishes are respected and that the people you trust are able to act when it matters most.

At Hegarty, our Wills, Trusts and Probate team works with individuals at every stage of life not just those approaching retirement.

We can help you:

• Put a Will in place that reflects your current circumstances
• Set up LPAs tailored to your needs
• Review existing arrangements as your situation evolves

Our approach is clear, practical, and focused on giving you confidence in your future planning.