Five common Power of Attorney myths you should know about

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Life’s unpredictable, and we don’t always know what’s around the corner. If you get ill or have an accident, you may need a family member or friend to take care of financial or welfare decisions for you.

That’s where a Power of Attorney is really useful. This is a legal document that allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, if you’re no longer able to. 

But without a Power of Attorney, it becomes a lot more complicated for your loved ones to take care of those decisions. So it’s an important safety net for the unpredictable.

Despite the benefits of having a Power of Attorney, there are lots of myths around what it is and how it works. 

So let’s bust some common myths about Power of Attorney:

Myth 1: I’m too young to set up a Power of Attorney

Our research shows that almost a third of people (31%) believe they’re too young to have a Power of Attorney.

The reality is, accidents and illnesses can happen at any age. You could suddenly find yourself unable to make decisions anymore – even for a short period of time – and need someone you trust to take care of matters for you.

But you can only set up a Power of Attorney when you have the mental capacity to do so. That’s why it’s really important to act early – as you never know when you might need it. Without one in place, people close to you could face a long and expensive court process to make decisions on your behalf.

Myth 2: My next of kin can automatically take care of everything

Many people assume that their next of kin get automatic say over decisions around their finances and care, if they’re no longer able to do it themselves. 

But in reality, your family, friends, or partner (even spouse) have no legal right to oversee or manage these important decisions. For example, they might not be able to get you discharged from hospital, or pay bills for you from your accounts.

Having a Power of Attorney provides your loved ones with that authority. This can give everyone both certainty and peace of mind around who takes responsibility.

Myth 3: Having a Power of Attorney means giving up control

A common myth is that once you’ve set up a Power of Attorney, you’ll lose control of your finances and welfare.

This isn’t the case. You can set up a Power of Attorney so that it’s only activated when a professional (such as a doctor) has confirmed that you’re no longer able to make decisions. You’ll also know exactly who will make those decisions for you, as you’ve already chosen a trusted person. 

In fact, you may never need to use your Power of Attorney. But it’ll make life simpler for you and your loved ones if you have one in place – and it gives everyone reassurance that your wishes will be respected.

Myth 4: People only need a Power of Attorney once they're receiving care

Anyone aged over 18 (or 16 in Scotland) and with mental capacity can set up a Power of Attorney. So you don't need to wait until you're in ill health. That also means you can be appointed as an attorney for any adult with mental capacity.

Remember, having a Power of Attorney in place can provide you with clarity and reassurance during difficult or emergency situations in future.

Myth 5: It’s too complicated and expensive – and I’ll need a solicitor

Setting up a Power of Attorney is more straightforward than you may think. You may be able to do it yourself online. Or you can get help from a solicitor or charity.

The process can differ depending on where you live in the UK. It’s different in Scotland, England and Wales, and Northen Ireland.

Setting up a Power of Attorney might also be more affordable than you assume. Registering a Power of Attorney can cost less than £100, depending on where you live. People on low incomes or some means-tested benefits can also get a discount or an exemption on fees.

The situation gets far more complicated when you don’t have a Power of Attorney, but need one. If you lose mental capacity, and don’t already have a Power of Attorney set up, a family member or friend will need to go through a lengthy and costly court process instead to take care of your financial decisions.

More information

We've teamed up with Carers UK to launch Power of Attorney Day (22 April), joining forces to raise awareness and understanding of Power of Attorney. Remember, the best time to think about a Power of Attorney isn't just on a single day. It's any time – and before you actually need one.

As a first step, it could be helpful to think about who you’d trust to be your attorney, and what kind of wishes you’d want them to act on.

If you have a Standard Life pension, you might want to nominate a trusted person to help you manage it and speak to us on your behalf. Visit our dedicated page to find out how to set this up.

Remember, this article provides general information about Power of Attorney. It is not legal advice. If you need help with your own situation, you should seek independent legal advice.

 

The information here is based on our understanding April 2026 and shouldn’t be taken as financial advice.