March 16, 2026
Martin Lewis on Power of Attorney – and Why Graham Hinitt at Matrix Estate Planning Urges Clients to Act Early
“I think Power of Attorney is more important than the will…
…don’t think this is just for the elderly, I mean accidents, strokes, early onset dementia…
…I’ve had one for a decade now.”
— Martin Lewis
For many people, estate planning begins and ends with writing a will. While a will is undeniably important, it only takes effect after death. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), by contrast, protects you while you are alive—often at the very moment when protection is needed most.
Consumer champion Martin Lewis has repeatedly highlighted this distinction, stressing that Lasting Powers of Attorney are not just for older people and, in many cases, are more important than a will. At Matrix Estate Planning Limited, Graham Hinitt DipPFS sees the consequences of not having an LPA every week—and understands why this legal document has become one of the most critical pillars of modern estate planning.
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A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you (the donor) to appoint trusted individuals (your attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity or, in some cases, if you simply want help managing affairs.
There are two types of LPA in the UK:
1. Property and Financial Affairs LPA
This allows attorneys to manage:
2. Health and Welfare LPA
This covers:
Without these documents in place, no one automatically has the legal authority to act, not even a spouse or adult child.
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Why Martin Lewis Says LPAs Are More Important Than a Will
Martin Lewis has consistently emphasised one core truth:
A will is useless if you are alive but incapacitated.
A will only applies after death. A Lasting Power of Attorney protects you during:
In many cases, incapacity happens unexpectedly, long before death. This is why Martin Lewis has said that people should not think of LPAs as something to “do later”.
At Matrix Estate Planning Limited, this reality is seen repeatedly—families caught unprepared, unable to access funds, make medical decisions, or protect assets because no LPA exists.
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One of the strongest messages Martin Lewis has delivered is that LPAs are not age‑dependent.
Loss of mental capacity can happen at any age due to:
Graham Hinitt DipPFS often works with:
Estate planning is no longer about “old age”—it is about life risk management.
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This is where the consequences become severe.
Without an LPA:
The Court of Protection Problem
If capacity is lost and no LPA exists, family members must apply to the Court of Protection to become a Deputy.
This process is:
Martin Lewis has frequently warned that this route is far more costly and complex than setting up an LPA in advance.
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At Matrix Estate Planning Limited, clients are often surprised to learn:
This is why Martin Lewis’s position resonates so strongly with estate planning professionals.
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Graham Hinitt DipPFS has worked in financial and estate planning since 1985. At Matrix Estate Planning Limited, LPAs are not treated as a “form‑filling exercise” but as a core protection strategy.
The Matrix Estate Planning LPA Process
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Martin Lewis has repeatedly highlighted pitfalls such as:
These are exactly the issues Graham Hinitt addresses during consultations.
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Why LPAs and Wills Work Best Together
Although LPAs may be more urgent, wills and LPAs work best as a pair.
Matrix Estate Planning Limited ensures both documents align with:
Martin Lewis’s message is clear:
The worst time to think about a Power of Attorney is when it is already too late.
At Matrix Estate Planning Limited, Graham Hinitt helps clients take control before crisis strikes, ensuring:
A Lasting Power of Attorney is not about giving up control—it is about deciding who you trust, on your terms.
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Book a Consultation with Matrix Estate Planning Limited
If you would like expert guidance on:
Contact Graham Hinitt DipPFS at Matrix Estate Planning Limited today and take the most important step in protecting your future.
