Make, Register or End a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Created: 30 August 2025

Make, Register or End a Lasting Power of Attorney

Life has a way of throwing the unexpected at us. While we cannot predict every twist and turn, we can take steps to ensure our wishes are respected if we are ever unable to make decisions for ourselves. One of the most effective ways to do this in England and Wales is by setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

An LPA is a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more trusted people (your ‘attorneys’) to make decisions on your behalf. These decisions could be about your finances, your health and welfare, or both. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make, register, and—if needed—end an LPA, so you can approach the process with clarity and confidence.

Understanding a Lasting Power of Attorney

There are two main types of LPA:

Property and Financial Affairs LPA

This covers decisions about money and property—such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, collecting benefits, or selling your home.

Health and Welfare LPA

This covers decisions about your medical care, daily routine, and even life-sustaining treatment. It can only be used when you’re unable to make those decisions yourself.

You can choose to make one type or both, depending on your needs. Each type requires a separate form to be completed.

Why Make an LPA?

Without an LPA, if you lose mental capacity, your loved ones may need to apply to the Court of Protection to make decisions for you. This process can be time‑consuming, costly, and stressful. An LPA ensures:

• Control – You choose who acts for you.
• Clarity – Your wishes are documented and legally recognised.
• Continuity – Decisions can be made without delay if you’re unable to act.

How to Make an LPA

The process is straightforward but must be done carefully to ensure it’s valid.

Step 1: Choose Your Attorneys

Select people you trust implicitly. They must be over 18 and have the mental capacity to make decisions. For a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, they cannot be bankrupt or subject to a debt relief order.

You can appoint:

• A single attorney – Simple, but risky if they can’t act.
• Multiple attorneys – They can act jointly (together) or jointly and severally (together or independently).

Step 2: Decide on Replacement Attorneys

Replacement attorneys step in if your original attorney(s) cannot act. This adds resilience to your plan.

Step 3: Complete the LPA Forms

You can fill in the forms online or on paper. The forms require:

• Your details and your attorneys’ details.
• How you want your attorneys to act.
• Any preferences or instructions you want to include.

Step 4: Get the LPA Signed and Witnessed

The LPA must be signed in a specific order:

• You (the donor) sign first, in front of a witness.
• A certificate provider signs to confirm you understand the LPA and are not under pressure.
• Your attorneys sign, each in front of a witness.

Witnesses must be over 18 and not your attorneys.

Registering Your LPA

An LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used.

When to Register

You can register your LPA as soon as it’s signed, or wait until it’s needed. However, registering early avoids delays later—registration can take up to 20 weeks.

How to Register

• Send the completed form(s) to the OPG with the registration fee (currently £82 per LPA; fee reductions or exemptions may apply).
• The OPG will notify the ‘people to be told’ (if you’ve listed any) before registration.

Once registered, your attorneys can act according to the type of LPA:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA – Can be used immediately (with your consent) or when you lose capacity.
• Health and Welfare LPA – Only when you lose capacity.

Ending or Cancelling an LPA

Circumstances change, and you may decide to end your LPA.

If You Still Have Mental Capacity

You can revoke your LPA at any time by sending a written statement (a ‘deed of revocation’) to the OPG. You must also inform your attorneys.

Automatic Termination

An LPA will automatically end if:

• You or your attorney dies.
• You or your attorney loses mental capacity (unless there are other attorneys).
• For a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, if your attorney becomes bankrupt.

Common Questions

Do I need a solicitor? - No, you can make an LPA yourself using the official forms. However, legal advice can be helpful if your affairs are complex.

Can my attorneys live abroad? - Yes, but practical issues like signing documents and managing UK‑based finances should be considered.

What if my attorneys disagree? - If appointed jointly, they must agree on every decision. If appointed jointly and severally, they can act independently.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Be clear in your instructions – Avoid vague language that could cause confusion.
• Talk to your attorneys – Make sure they understand your wishes and are willing to act.
• Keep copies – Store your LPA safely and let your attorneys know where to find it.
• Review regularly – Life changes, and so might your choice of attorneys or instructions.

The Human Side of LPAs

While the forms and legalities are important, an LPA is ultimately about peace of mind—for you and those you care about. It’s a way of saying, “I’ve thought about the future, and I’ve made it easier for you to help me if I need it.” Many people find that making an LPA sparks valuable conversations with family and friends about values, priorities, and what matters most. These discussions can be just as important as the document itself.

Final Thoughts

Creating, registering, or ending a Lasting Power of Attorney doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right information and a bit of planning, you can put a robust safeguard in place for your future. If you’re ready to start, you can find the official forms and detailed guidance on the UK Government’s website. Taking this step now could save your loved ones stress and uncertainty later—and give you the reassurance that your affairs will be handled exactly as you wish.