How to Get Power of Attorney for a Parent: A Practical Guide

06th October 2025

Supporting ageing parents often means stepping into new roles, from helping with finances to making healthcare decisions. One of the most important legal steps you can take is making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for a parent. This ensures that if they lose capacity to make decisions in the future, someone they trust will have the legal authority to act on their behalf.

Here’s what you need to know about getting Power of Attorney for a parent, and how to make the process smooth and stress-free.

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone (the “donor”) to appoint another person (the “attorney”) to make decisions for them if they are no longer able. There are two types:

• Health and Welfare LPA – covers decisions about medical treatment, care, and daily routines.
• Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covers managing bank accounts, paying bills, pensions, or selling property.

When setting up Power of Attorney online for a parent, it’s common to arrange both types, so all areas of their life are covered.

Why Setting Up UK Power of Attorney Early Matters

Many families delay setting up an LPA because it feels like a sensitive topic. But waiting too long can have serious consequences. If your parent loses mental capacity before an LPA is in place, you may need to apply to the Court of Protection to gain authority, a process that is lengthy, expensive, and stressful.

By arranging Power of Attorney early, your parent stays in control of who represents them, decisions can be made smoothly when needed, and your family avoids unnecessary legal and emotional challenges.

Steps to Get Power of Attorney for a Parent

1. Talk to your parent – Start with an open, honest conversation about why an LPA is important. Emphasise that it’s about protecting their wishes, not taking away independence.
2. Choose attorneys carefully – Your parent must decide who to appoint. This could be you, a sibling, or another trusted person. Attorneys must act in the donor’s best interests at all times.
3. Complete the LPA forms – The forms can be completed online or on paper. Services like Power of Attorney Online help avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection.
4. Sign and witness – The forms must be signed by your parent, their chosen attorneys, witnesses and a “certificate provider” (someone who confirms your parent understands what they’re doing).
5. Register with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) – An LPA isn’t valid until it’s officially registered. The OPG charges a fee (currently £82 per document, rising to £92 in November 2025).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over 50,000 LPA applications are rejected each year because of errors. Common issues include missing signatures, incorrect details, or failing to understand the different roles. Using a guided service can help ensure the forms are correct the first time, saving time and money.

Arranging Power of Attorney for a parent is one of the most meaningful ways to protect their future and your family’s peace of mind. It’s about giving them control today and avoiding unnecessary stress tomorrow.

At Power of Attorney Online, we make the process simple, clear and affordable, so you and your parent can focus on what matters most.

Start your parent’s Power of Attorney today. It only takes 15 minutes.