Lasting Power of Attorney
Complete Guide to LPAs in England and Wales
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if, in the future, you are unable to make those decisions yourself.
For many families, an LPA offers reassurance and stability. It ensures that someone you trust is legally authorised to act in your best interests—whether that involves managing finances, arranging care, or making medical decisions. It also prevents the difficult situation where loved ones discover they cannot step in without formal legal authority.
Many people assume a spouse or adult child can automatically make decisions for them. In reality, this is not the case unless a registered LPA is already in place.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
An LPA allows you (the donor) to appoint one or more attorneys to make decisions about your property, finances, health or care. You decide:
Who your attorneys are
What decisions they can make
When they can act
Whether they act jointly or independently
Any instructions or preferences you want them to follow
You must have mental capacity at the time you create an LPA.
For deeper guidance, explore:
The Two Types of LPA
1. Property and Financial Affairs LPA
This LPA allows your attorney to make decisions about your financial life, including:
Managing bank accounts
Paying bills
Handling investments
Buying or selling property
Collecting pensions or benefits
Managing income and tax matters
You can choose for this LPA to be used as soon as it is registered, even while you still have capacity.
The Two Types of LPA
2. Health and Welfare LPA
This LPA covers decisions about your care and wellbeing, such as:
Medical treatment
Daily care
Where you live
Moving into a care home
Life‑sustaining treatment (if authorised)
This type of LPA can only be used once you have lost mental capacity.
Who Can Be an Attorney?
You can appoint:
A spouse or partner
A family member
A friend
A professional adviser
More than one attorney
Your attorney should be someone you trust completely, as they may be responsible for significant financial, legal or healthcare decisions.
When Should You Make an LPA?
Although many people wait until later in life, an LPA can be valuable for adults of any age—especially if you:
Own property
Have savings or investments
Run a business
Have dependants
Want to plan for unexpected illness or injury
An LPA must be made before mental capacity is lost.
You may also find these guides helpful:
What Happens If You Don’t Have an LPA?
Without a valid LPA:
Your family may not be able to access your finances
Loved ones may be unable to make healthcare decisions
The Court of Protection may need to appoint a deputy
Decisions may take longer and cost more
Stress and uncertainty can increase at an already difficult time
Planning ahead protects both you and those you care about.
How Is an LPA Registered?
Once completed and signed, an LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used.
Registration typically takes 8–10 weeks if the application is correct.
Do You Need a Solicitor?
You can create an LPA yourself using official forms, but many people choose to seek legal advice—especially if:
Family relationships are complex
You are appointing multiple attorneys
You own business assets
Property ownership is complicated
You want to include detailed instructions or preferences
A solicitor can help ensure your LPA is accurate, legally valid and aligned with your wishes.
Compare Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors Near You
Planning ahead is one of the most compassionate gifts you can give your loved ones.
Find a Funeral helps you compare experienced solicitors across the UK who can prepare and register LPAs, advise on estate planning, and ensure your wishes are legally protected.
Yes. Many people choose to create both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA.
If you still have mental capacity, you can revoke or replace an LPA and create a new one.
An LPA remains valid until it is revoked or ends under legal rules.