Complaints about alleged financial misconduct by attorneys under Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) have reached a record 11,910 in the year to March 2026, up from 10,240 previously, according to Ministry of Justice data obtained by TWM Solicitors. Only 263 attorneys had their authority revoked during the same period.
Stuart Downey, partner at TWM, warns that the high complaint level signals significant risk of financial abuse, especially for elderly or vulnerable donors. He notes that unexplained withdrawals, unusual transfers, or restrictions on family visits may indicate misconduct.
Caroline Abrahams of Age UK emphasizes the high stakes, as inheritance increasingly determines quality of life. While earlier LPAs are advisable, she stresses choosing attorneys carefully and seeking expert advice to ensure decisions are objectively best for the individual.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing