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Lasting Power of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you choose someone (called an attorney) to help you make decisions or make them for you if you’re unable to.

This gives you more control over what happens if you have an accident or illness and can’t make decisions yourself (this is called lacking mental capacity).

You must be:

  • 18 or older

  • Able to make your own decisions when you set up the LPA.

You don’t need to live in the UK or be a British citizen.

Types of LPA

There are two types:

  1. Health and Welfare LPA

Lets your attorney make decisions about:

  • Your daily routine (washing, dressing, eating)

  • Medical care

  • Moving into a care home

  • Life-sustaining treatment

This type can only be used when you can’t make decisions yourself.

  1. Property and Financial Affairs LPA

Lets your attorney manage:

  • Bank or building society accounts

  • Paying bills

  • Collecting benefits or pensions

  • Selling your home

This type can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission.

How to Make an LPA

  1. Choose your attorney(s) — you can have more than one.

  2. Fill in the forms to appoint them.

  3. Register your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian (this can take up to 10 weeks).

Cost: £82 to register each LPA (you may get a reduction or exemption).

You can cancel your LPA at any time if you still have mental capacity.

Need Help?

Contact the Office of the Public Guardian if you need help or have questions: