Can an LPA be made urgently?

By Matt Cresswell, Founder at Power of Attorney Online and author of
Everything you ever wanted to know about LPAs (but were afraid to ask)

26th December 2025

People often ask can an LPA be made urgently, usually after a sudden illness, accident or diagnosis. The short answer is yes, but with important limits. This guide explains what can be done quickly, what cannot be rushed and what to do if time really matters.

Can a lasting power of attorney be made urgently?

An LPA can be prepared urgently, but it cannot be instantly active. The document must still be completed correctly, signed by all parties and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used.

The fastest part of the process is completing the forms. With clear guidance using a service like Power of Attorney Online, many people can do this in a single sitting. The registration stage is the main factor that can’t be rushed.

What is the quickest way to make an LPA?

The quickest way to make an LPA is to complete the forms accurately the first time and submit them for registration as soon as they are signed.

Common delays come from missing information, incorrect signing order or choosing an unsuitable certificate provider. Avoiding these mistakes can save weeks.

Using step by step guidance and checking everything carefully before submission gives the best chance of a smooth and fast registration.

How long does LPA registration take?

Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian typically takes 8-10 weeks. This includes a statutory waiting period to allow for objections and checks to protect the donor.

In urgent situations, such as when someone is seriously ill, the Office of the Public Guardian may consider prioritising an application. However, this is not guaranteed and supporting evidence is usually required.

Can an LPA be made if someone is already unwell?

Yes, as long as the person still has mental capacity. Capacity is decision specific and time specific. Someone can be unwell and still understand what an LPA is, what powers they are giving and who they are appointing.

If mental capacity has already been lost, it is no longer possible to make an LPA.

What happens if an LPA cannot be made in time?

If an LPA cannot be made because capacity has been lost, family members may need to apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy. This process is slower, more expensive and more restrictive than an LPA.

This is why planning early is so important. Urgent situations often highlight the problem, but by then options may already be limited.

Is there an alternative to an LPA in an emergency?

There is no true alternative that provides the same authority as an LPA. Short term arrangements, such as third party bank mandates, may help with limited tasks but they do not cover health decisions or wider financial authority.

Only a registered LPA gives comprehensive legal power.

What is the key takeaway about urgent LPAs?

An LPA can be prepared quickly, but it cannot bypass legal safeguards. The best way to deal with urgency is to act immediately, complete the forms correctly and submit them without delay.

The real lesson is that the most urgent LPA is the one made before it is needed.

Written by Matt Cresswell

Matt Cresswell is the Founder of Power of Attorney Online, a service helping people across England and Wales create Lasting Powers of Attorney through guided online support and expert document reviews. He founded the business following his father's diagnosis with dementia, after experiencing first-hand how confusing the LPA process can be for families. Matt's expertise focuses on Lasting Powers of Attorney, planning ahead and helping families prepare for the future before a crisis occurs.