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20 February 2026
Issue: 8150 / Categories: Legal News , Mental health , Court of Protection , Wills & Probate
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NLJ this week: Don’t let your LPA gather dust

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Lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) are not ‘set and forget’ documents. In this week's NLJ, Ann Stanyer of Wedlake Bell urges practitioners to review LPAs every five years and after major life changes

Alzheimer’s affects ‘one in fourteen people over the age of 65’, making timely planning essential.

Clients should not assume ‘that their attorneys know how to manage another person’s finances’, and clear restrictions—particularly on gifts—can avert costly Court of Protection disputes.

Letters of wishes, though not binding, carry real weight in evidencing a donor’s values and best interests. Without an up-to-date LPA, families risk court intervention or even a local authority deputy.

Proactive conversations now can prevent litigation later, Stanyer writes.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Clarke Willmott—Kevin Joynes & Neil Gosling

Clarke Willmott—Kevin Joynes & Neil Gosling

Clarke Willmott bolsters housebuilder expertise in Birmingham

Carpmaels & Ransford—Kevin Cordina

Carpmaels & Ransford—Kevin Cordina

Firm adds former Simmons Simmons patent head to engineering and tech team

ACTAPS—Sally Goodger

ACTAPS—Sally Goodger

Freeths strengthens its voice in national disputes with ACTAPS committee appointment

NEWS
4PB chambers has announced the 2026 winner of its Alan Inglis Memorial Essay Prize, now in its third year
Murder could be split into first and second degrees, under Law Commission proposals for a historic overhaul of homicide offences
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Australian-style ban on social media for under-16s will be difficult to enforce, lawyers have warned
One in two women in law say their current working pattern is unsustainable for their long-term health, according to a report by the Next 100 Years project
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has highlighted a lack of safeguards where people use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help with legal problems
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