Where there’s a will

a solicitor to call and book an appointment. Remember to say you’re calling as part of the Will Aid scheme.

They will ask for a donation of £95 (£150 for couples) to one of nine charities including Action Aid, NSPCC and the British Red Cross. You can do it online before your appointment. Print out the receipt and take it to the solicitor. If you can’t afford it, you can give less. you’re no longer capable. I’ve had one for years, and I’m 46.

If you don’t have an LPA in place and you lose your faculties, your family will need to apply to take over your affairs via the Court of Protection. This can drag on for many months and cost in the £1,000s.

If you’ve simple finances, you can set an LPA up yourself by filling in the online form.

- In England & Wales it’s at www.gov. uk and costs £82

- In Scotland it is www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk and costs £77

- In Northern Ireland it’s www.nidirect.gov.uk and costs £127.

If you’ve more complex affairs a solicitor can do it, though it can cost over £500. There are some good halfway houses though and discount costs explained in my guide at www.mse.me/POA

You can also get a separate LPA specifically for health decisions, such as medical care and your daily care routine, should you be unable to make them for yourself.