What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint people, known as attorneys, to make decisions on your behalf. This is useful if you lose capacity, or you simply want someone to help manage your affairs.
There are two types of LPA in England and Wales:
- Property and Financial Affairs – covers your bank accounts, property, bills, and investments
- Health and Welfare – covers medical treatment decisions, care arrangements, and end-of-life wishes
Who should have an LPA?
Anyone over 18 who wants to stay in control of what happens to them if they cannot speak for themselves. LPAs are not just for older people. Illness, accident, or sudden incapacity can happen at any age.
Without an LPA, your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection to manage your affairs. That process is slow, expensive, and stressful. This often takes a year or more.
What does an LPA actually achieve?
It keeps decisions in the family. You choose who acts for you. A partner, an adult child, a trusted friend, rather than leaving it to the courts.
It is specific to your wishes. You can include guidance and restrictions so your attorneys act exactly as you would want.
It can be used immediately. A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can be used as soon as it is registered, even if you still have full capacity. Very useful if you travel, are unwell, or simply want help with day-to-day finances.
How we make it easy
The Office of the Public Guardian process for registering an LPA can feel daunting. We guide you through every step. Choosing the right type, selecting appropriate attorneys, and completing the forms correctly first time.
Most people set up both types together. We offer a combined package and handle the registration process on your behalf.
Ready to talk it through? Book a chat and we will help you decide which LPAs you need and get them set up properly.
Common questions.
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA covers money and assets. A Health and Welfare LPA covers medical and care decisions. Most people benefit from having both.
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can be used as soon as it is registered even if you still have capacity. A Health and Welfare LPA can only be used once you have lost capacity to make the specific decision.
The Office of the Public Guardian currently takes around 20 weeks to register an LPA. We prepare your documents quickly - the wait is in the registration queue not with us.
Yes. You can appoint multiple attorneys and specify whether they must act jointly or can act independently. We help you think through what works best for your situation.
Our fees start from 400 pounds for a single LPA or 700 pounds for both types together. Government registration fees apply on top - currently 82 pounds per LPA.