How to Apply for Lasting Power of Attorney

13th April 2026

How to Apply for Lasting Power of Attorney is one of those things people look after a moment of realisation that planning ahead matters more than they perhaps thought.

It’s one of those tasks that often sits on a list somewhere for a while. Then something happens and it suddenly feels more urgent.

The good news is that applying for an LPA is more straightforward than most people expect once you’ve got your head around the steps.

How do I choose the right type of LPA?

The first step is deciding which type of LPA you need.

There are two options in England and Wales. One covers property and financial affairs. The other covers health and welfare.

Most people choose to set up both at the same time, so everything is covered if it comes to it. They’re separate documents, but they work alongside each other well.

Taking a bit of time here considering your options helps avoid confusion later on.

How do I complete the LPA forms?

Once you know which type you need, the next step is completing the actual forms.

These can be filled in through the GOV.UK website, with a solicitor or using an online service like Power of Attorney Online that guides you through the process.

The forms ask for details about you, your chosen attorneys and how you would want decisions to be made if you couldn’t.

This is where you set the foundations for your future planning. It’s worth going at your own pace to make sure everything is clear and consistent.

Small errors at this stage can lead to big delays further down the line.

How do I choose my attorney?

This is the part that tends to matter more than anything else.

Your attorney is the person who will step in if you can’t make decisions yourself, so it’s important you pick wisely.

For financial decisions, you might choose someone organised and confident with money.

For health and welfare, it’s often someone who understands your values and preferences.

You can appoint more than one person and you can also name replacements in case plans change down the line.

Do I need to sign the documents correctly?

The signing stage is where many applications run into trouble.

There’s a strict order that needs to be followed, with the donor signs first, then the certificate provider and then the attorneys.

Each signature must be witnessed properly and done in person, in wet ink.

It sounds simple, but mistakes here are one of the most common reasons LPAs are rejected.

Taking care at this stage saves you plenty of time later on.

How do I register the LPA?

Once the forms are complete and signed, they need to be sent to the OPG for registration.

An LPA can’t be used until it has been formally registered.

The registration fee is £92 per document, although some people qualify for a reduction or exemption.

Processing can take around 10 weeks, so it’s worth managing your expectations on the turnaround time.

How do I avoid common delays?

Most delays come down to small, avoidable issues like missing signatures, incorrect dates or sections left incomplete. These are the usual culprits, so it’s not about complexity, it’s about attention to detail.

This is why many people choose some form of guidance through the process, even if they’re generally comfortable completing forms themselves.

A step that brings long term clarity

Applying for a Lasting Power of Attorney isn’t just about ticking a legal box.

It is about making sure that if something changes, the right person can step in without confusion or delay to make decisions on your behalf.

For many families, it brings a sense of reassurance that’s hard to put a value on.

It may not feel urgent today, but having it in place means one less thing to worry about if life takes an unexpected turn.