/ Services08 · Lasting Power of Attorney

Lasting Power of Attorney.

Choose who speaks for you if you ever can't speak for yourself — before the decision is taken out of your hands.

/ Overview

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people you trust — your attorneys — to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to make them yourself. It is made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used.

There are two types, and you can make one or both. A Property & Financial Affairs LPA covers things like paying bills, managing bank accounts, dealing with benefits and selling property. A Health & Welfare LPA covers day-to-day care, medical treatment, and where you live — and can only be used once you no longer have capacity.

Without an LPA, your family cannot simply step in. They would need to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, which is slower, more expensive and reviewed by the court each year. Putting an LPA in place while you have capacity avoids that entirely.

LPAs are not No Win No Fee matters. We work to a clear fixed fee per LPA, confirmed in writing before any chargeable work begins. Office of the Public Guardian registration fees are payable in addition as a disbursement, and fee exemptions or reductions may be available depending on your circumstances.

/ Frequently asked

Questions, answered.

01What is the difference between the two types of LPA?+
A Property & Financial Affairs LPA lets your attorney deal with money, bank accounts, bills, benefits and property. A Health & Welfare LPA lets them make decisions about your care, medical treatment and living arrangements. The financial LPA can be used with your permission while you still have capacity; the health and welfare LPA can only be used once you have lost capacity.
02When does an LPA come into effect?+
An LPA can only be used once it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Registration typically takes several weeks. We handle the drafting, the certificate provider requirements, notification of anyone you name, and the registration process for you.
03Who can I appoint as my attorney?+
Anyone aged 18 or over who has mental capacity — commonly a spouse, adult child, close friend or a professional. You can appoint more than one, and decide whether they must act together or can act independently. You can also name replacement attorneys in case one is unable to act.
04Can I make an LPA on behalf of someone who has already lost capacity?+
No. An LPA can only be made by someone who still has the mental capacity to understand and make it. If capacity has already been lost, the route is an application to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, which we can also advise on.
05What does an LPA cost?+
We charge a clear fixed fee per LPA, confirmed in writing before you instruct us. The Office of the Public Guardian also charges a registration fee for each LPA, payable as a disbursement. Reductions or exemptions may apply if you are on a low income or receive certain means-tested benefits, and we will tell you if that applies to you.
06Can I change or cancel my LPA later?+
Yes. While you have mental capacity you can revoke an LPA at any time by making a formal deed of revocation and notifying the Office of the Public Guardian and your attorneys. You can also make a new LPA if your circumstances or choice of attorney change.
07Do I need a will as well?+
They do different jobs. An LPA covers decisions made during your lifetime; a will covers what happens to your estate after death. Most clients put both in place at the same time, and we can advise on them together.
/ Start your enquiry

Complete the form to start your Lasting Power of Attorney enquiry.

Confidential and no-obligation. We'll confirm our fees in writing before any work begins, and most enquiries receive a response within 24 hours.

/ Lasting Power of Attorney Enquiry
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