How Do I Arrange Power of Attorney for Myself or My Family?

03rd December 2025

Arranging a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most important parts of future planning.

What is the easiest way to arrange UK Power of Attorney?

The simplest route is to use an online LPA service or the government’s online forms to complete the application, then follow the signing steps required by law.
You’ll need:

• The donor (the person giving power)
• One or more attorneys
• A certificate provider
• A witness

Once complete, the forms must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used.

Can I arrange Power of Attorney for myself?

Yes, and most people do.
As long as you have mental capacity, you can set up an LPA yourself. You choose who will act for you and what decisions they can make. There is no requirement to involve a solicitor unless the situation is unusually complex.

Can I arrange Power of Attorney for a family member?

Yes, but only if they still have mental capacity.
You can help them complete the forms, but they must:

• Understand what they’re signing
• Make their own decisions
• Choose their attorneys freely

If they have already lost capacity, you cannot create an LPA on their behalf. Instead, the family must apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order.

When should I arrange Power of Attorney?

The best time is now, while everyone involved still has capacity.
Many LPAs are created after a health scare, but the process is far smoother, and much cheaper, when done proactively.

Key triggers include:

• Ageing parents
• Early signs of illness
• Managing joint finances
• Planning for retirement
• A recent diagnosis (e.g., dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke risk)

Do I need a Health & Welfare LPA as well as a Financial one?

Yes, they cover different decisions.

• Property & Financial Affairs LPA: managing money, bills, savings, homes
• Health & Welfare LPA: medical care, daily routines, care home decisions

Most people set up both, as welfare decisions cannot be made unless this second LPA exists.

How long does it take to arrange and register an LPA?

Completing the forms online can take between 30–90 minutes, sometimes shorter if you use an online service.
Registration with the OPG usually takes 8–12 weeks, depending on demand.
An LPA cannot be used until registration is complete.

Is arranging Power of Attorney expensive?

Not necessarily. You can use:

• The government service (OPG fee: £92 per LPA)
• A paid digital service like Power of Attorney Online for guided support
• A solicitor if your situation is more complex

Most people find that digital services strike the right balance between affordability and reassurance.

Arranging Power of Attorney for yourself or your family is straightforward, protective, and best done early. As long as the donor has capacity, setting up an LPA ensures that trusted people can act in their best interests when it matters most.