Lasting Power of Attorney UK: Complete Guide to Setting Up an LPA (2026)
Updated March 2026 | 13 min read
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make them yourself. This could happen through illness, injury, or the natural effects of ageing. Without an LPA, your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, which is expensive, slow, and stressful. Setting up an LPA while you still have mental capacity is one of the most important things you can do.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
An LPA is a legal document that gives one or more people (called "attorneys") the authority to make decisions on your behalf. The person making the LPA is called the "donor." You must be 18 or over and have mental capacity when you make an LPA. Once registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), it can be used whenever needed.
There are two types of LPA in England and Wales, and you can set up one or both. They serve very different purposes, so most people benefit from having both in place.
The Two Types of LPA
Property and Financial Affairs
Covers decisions about your money, property, bills, investments, and financial accounts. Your attorney can:
- Pay your bills and manage your bank accounts
- Collect your pension and benefits
- Sell or rent your property
- Make investment decisions
- Deal with your tax affairs
This LPA can be used while you still have capacity (with your consent) or only when you lose capacity, depending on how you set it up.
Health and Welfare
Covers decisions about your medical treatment, care, and daily routine. Your attorney can:
- Decide where you live
- Consent to or refuse medical treatment
- Manage your daily care routine
- Make decisions about life-sustaining treatment (if you grant this)
- Choose care homes or care providers
This LPA can only be used when you lack the mental capacity to make decisions yourself. It cannot be used while you still have capacity.
Why You Need an LPA (Even If You Are Young and Healthy)
Most people assume LPAs are only for elderly people. In reality, accidents, strokes, and sudden illnesses can happen at any age. Without an LPA, even your spouse or parent cannot automatically make decisions for you. Your bank can freeze your accounts. Your mortgage still needs paying. Medical decisions may be made by strangers.
Without an LPA
Your family must apply to the Court of Protection for a "deputyship order." This typically costs £1,000 to £2,000+ in legal fees, takes 3 to 6 months, requires ongoing annual reports to the OPG, and charges an annual supervision fee. The court may appoint someone you would not have chosen. Compare that to the cost of setting up an LPA: £82 per LPA (or free if your income is under £12,000).
How Much Does an LPA Cost?
| Option | Cost per LPA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY (online via OPG) | £82 | Registration fee only. Both LPAs: £164 |
| DIY (paper form) | £82 | Same fee. Download forms from OPG website |
| Solicitor-assisted | £300 - £600 | Includes drafting, advice, and registration fee. Both: £500 - £1,000 |
| Fee exemption | Free | If income under £12,000 or receiving certain benefits |
| 50% fee remission | £41 | If income between £12,001 and £22,000 |
Source: GOV.UK: Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney
Choosing Your Attorneys
Your attorney must be 18 or over, must have mental capacity, and must not be bankrupt (for a property and financial affairs LPA). You can appoint more than one attorney and specify how they make decisions:
Jointly
All attorneys must agree on every decision. If one attorney dies or can no longer act, the LPA stops working entirely. This provides maximum protection against misuse but can be impractical.
Jointly and severally
Attorneys can make decisions together or independently. If one can no longer act, the others can continue. This is the most flexible and common choice.
Jointly for some, severally for others
You can require joint agreement for big decisions (like selling your house) but allow individual decisions for day-to-day matters (paying bills). This gives you the best of both approaches.
You should also name one or two "replacement attorneys" who can step in if your original attorneys can no longer act. Without replacements, you may need a new LPA or, if you have lost capacity, a deputyship application.
How to Register an LPA: Step by Step
Create the LPA online
Use the OPG's online tool at gov.uk/power-of-attorney. It guides you through every section. You can save and return later.
Choose your attorneys and preferences
Select who acts for you, how they make decisions, and any restrictions or conditions you want to include.
Choose a "certificate provider"
An independent person who confirms you understand the LPA and are not being pressured. This can be someone who has known you for 2+ years, or a professional (doctor, solicitor, social worker).
Name "people to notify"
Optional but recommended. These people are told when the LPA is registered and can raise concerns. Good safeguard.
Sign the LPA
You sign first, then the certificate provider, then the attorneys, then replacement attorneys. The order matters. Each signature must be witnessed.
Register with OPG
Send the signed forms and £82 fee. Processing takes 8 to 12 weeks. The OPG contacts anyone you named to notify.
Receive the registered LPA
Once registered, the LPA is stamped and returned. Keep it safe and give certified copies to your attorneys.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
LPAs only apply in England and Wales. Scotland uses "Continuing Powers of Attorney" and "Welfare Powers of Attorney," registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland). Northern Ireland uses "Enduring Powers of Attorney" (EPA), which only cover financial affairs, not health decisions. If you live outside England and Wales, check the specific rules for your jurisdiction.
Common Concerns About LPAs
"What if my attorney abuses the power?"
Attorneys have a legal duty to act in your best interests and keep records of decisions. You can include restrictions in the LPA, appoint multiple attorneys who must agree, and name people to be notified. If there is abuse, the OPG can investigate and the court can remove the attorney. Choosing someone you genuinely trust is the most important safeguard.
"Can I cancel the LPA?"
Yes, as long as you have mental capacity. You can revoke an LPA at any time by completing a "deed of revocation," notifying your attorneys, and informing the OPG.
"Does it take effect immediately?"
A health and welfare LPA can only be used when you lack capacity. A property and financial affairs LPA can be used as soon as it is registered, but only with your permission while you still have capacity.