Lasting Power of Attorney UK: A Carer’s Step-By-Step Guide

26th November 2025

If you’re caring for a loved one, you may be wondering how to help them manage decisions safely and legally. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most important tools available, but the process can feel intimidating if you’re doing it for the first time. Below is a carer-friendly, step-by-step guide written in a simple Q&A format, so people can quickly find and understand exactly what they need.

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in the UK?

An LPA is a legal document that allows someone (the donor) to give trusted people (attorneys) the authority to make decisions if they lose mental capacity. There are two types:

• Health & Welfare LPA: covers care, daily routines, medical treatment.
• Property & Financial Affairs LPA: covers money, bills, banking and property.

As a carer, you may be helping the donor understand or complete this process, but the decision to create an LPA must always be their own.

Who Needs a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Anyone who wants their affairs to be handled smoothly if they become unable to make decisions. For carers, an LPA prevents crisis moments later and avoids lengthy Court of Protection applications.

How Does a Carer Help Someone Set Up an LPA?

You can support with organisation and explanation, but you must not influence their decisions. Your role is practical, not persuasive.

Step 1: How Do You Start an LPA?

Q: Where do you begin as a carer?
A: Start by choosing the right forms. The donor needs:

• Form LP1F (Property & Finance)
• Form LP1H (Health & Welfare)

The donor must decide who their attorneys will be and how they should act (jointly or jointly and severally).

Step 2: Who Needs to Sign the LPA?

Q: What signatures are required?
A:

1. The donor
2. A certificate provider: someone who confirms the donor understands the LPA
3. Each attorney and replacement attorney
4. A witness for each signature

As a carer, you can witness signatures unless you are an attorney or family member of the donor.

Step 3: How Do You Register an LPA?

Q: How is the LPA submitted?
A: Send the completed forms to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) with the £82 fee per LPA (fee reductions exist for certain benefits).
The OPG will check the forms and register the LPA within 8-12 weeks.

Step 4: When Can the LPA Be Used?

• Property & Finance LPA: as soon as it’s registered (with donor consent).
• Health & Welfare LPA: only when the donor loses capacity.

What If You’re a Carer and Also an Attorney?

You must follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005, acting in the donor’s best interests, keeping records and never mixing finances.

Supporting someone through an LPA is one of the biggest acts of care you can offer. It brings stability, avoids legal delays, and ensures their wishes stay at the centre of every decision.