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How to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in the UK

In short. Apply online at gov.uk/power-of-attorney or by paper LP1 forms. Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian costs £82 per LPA (2025/26; check live fee) and takes around 20 weeks.

An LPA lets people you trust make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: Property & Financial Affairs (money, bills, selling property) and Health & Welfare (medical care, where you live). Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate equivalents.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: P20W·Cost: £82 per LPA (England & Wales, 2025/26; fee remission available)

What you'll need

  • Names, addresses and dates of birth of all attorneys
  • Name of a 'certificate provider' who can confirm you understand the LPA
  • Names of any 'people to notify' (optional)

The steps

  1. 01

    Decide what types of LPA you want

    You can make a Property & Financial Affairs LPA, a Health & Welfare LPA, or both. They're registered separately and each has its own fee.

    Official link →

  2. 02

    Choose your attorneys carefully

    Attorneys must be 18+ and (for Property & Financial Affairs) not bankrupt. If you appoint more than one, decide whether they act jointly, jointly and severally, or jointly for some decisions.

  3. 03

    Complete the LPA online or on paper

    Use the online service at gov.uk/power-of-attorney or the paper forms (LP1F or LP1H). Read the prescribed information sections carefully.

  4. 04

    Get the certificate provider to sign

    Your certificate provider — someone who has known you 2+ years personally or has relevant professional skills — confirms you understand the LPA and aren't being pressured.

  5. 05

    Sign and register with the Office of the Public Guardian

    You sign, then your attorneys sign, then submit to OPG with the fee. OPG processes the registration in roughly 20 weeks. The LPA can only be used once registered.

    Official link →

Common pitfalls

  • You must have mental capacity when you make the LPA
  • A Property & Financial Affairs LPA can be used while you still have capacity (with your permission); a Health & Welfare LPA can only be used once you lose capacity
  • Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules — see OPG Scotland (Continuing/Welfare Power of Attorney) and the Enduring Powers of Attorney (NI) Order

FAQ

How much does it cost?
In England & Wales, £82 per LPA (2025/26). Fee remission (50%) is available on low income, and full exemption on certain benefits.
What if I lose capacity without an LPA?
Family would need to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order — much slower and more expensive than registering an LPA in advance.
Can I revoke an LPA?
Yes — while you still have mental capacity you can revoke by signing a 'Deed of Revocation' and notifying the OPG.
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