Plain-English answer · England and Wales
How do I help my parents organise their affairs?
Start with your parents' wishes, not the inheritance. A short parent-led conversation can check whether key documents exist, who has legal authority if capacity is lost and where essential information can be found. Adult children have no automatic right to manage a parent's money.
Start the right conversation
Ask whether your parent would like help getting organised and who they want involved. Make clear that the aim is to make their wishes easier to follow, not to obtain control of their property.
A practical first check
Keep the meeting calm and limited.
- Do wills and LPAs exist?
- Who are the executors and attorneys?
- Where are original documents held?
- Which trusted or professional contact should be called?
- When would your parent like to review things again?
Authority matters
Family relationship alone does not create legal authority over accounts, property or health decisions. A registered property and financial affairs LPA can authorise an attorney within its terms. If capacity has already been lost without a valid power, a Court of Protection application may be needed.
Official sources
Use these to check the current official position before acting.
This page provides general information only. It is not legal, tax, financial, pension or care-funding advice. Obtain independent advice from appropriately qualified professionals before acting.