Planning for life
What is a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney, or LPA, is a legal document that lets you choose one or more people, called attorneys, to help with decisions or make decisions for you. You must be 18 or over and have mental capacity when you make it, and it must be registered before it can be used.
Prefer guided help?
Would you like help preparing your LPA forms?
Which? Power of Attorney is a paid external service from Which? Ltd. It offers guided document preparation, access to specialists and a specialist review. You still print, sign and submit the documents, and the Office of the Public Guardian registration fee is separate.
Prefer to do it yourself? You can complete the forms through GOV.UK without paying a preparation-service fee. The official registration fee may still apply whichever route you use.
When can each type be used?
A health and welfare LPA can be used only when you cannot make the particular decision yourself. A property and financial affairs LPA can be used after registration while you still have capacity if the LPA permits this and you give permission, or later if you lose capacity.
What if someone may already have lost capacity?
If you are helping someone else, the choices must remain theirs. If they can no longer understand and decide whether to make an LPA, they cannot make one. Someone may instead need to apply to the Court of Protection.
Who should you choose as attorneys?
Choose people who are trustworthy, willing and able to make careful decisions. Think about how they communicate and whether they can work together.
- Ask them before naming them
- Explain what matters to you
- Decide whether they act together or separately
- Consider replacement attorneys
Download the free LPA people and signing planner
Use this printable workbook to organise the people, choices, signing sequence and registration checks before you complete the official application.
How does it become official?
The document must be completed, signed in the correct order and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used.
GOV.UK currently states that registration takes 8 to 10 weeks when there are no mistakes and costs £92 for each LPA, unless a reduction or exemption applies.
Questions about using an LPA
Does making an LPA mean somebody takes control immediately?
No. A health and welfare LPA can be used only when you cannot make the particular decision yourself. A property and financial affairs LPA may be usable after registration while you still have capacity only if the document permits this and you give permission.
Can someone make an LPA after losing mental capacity?
No. The person must have the mental capacity to make the LPA. If they can no longer make that choice, someone may need to apply to the Court of Protection instead.
Guided paid option
Would you like help preparing your LPA?
The Which? service guides you through the documents and includes specialist review. Check its current price, what is included and whether it suits your circumstances before deciding.