What are the Most Common LPA Mistakes?

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

07th April 2025

Updated: Friday 30th January 2026

What are the Most Common LPA Mistakes? Avoiding common pitfalls when applying for a UK Power of Attorney is essential for anyone who wants their LPA to work without delays or complications. Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney is a powerful step in protecting your future, but the process can be unforgiving of small mistakes. Simple errors can lead to rejection, extra costs and uncertainty at the exact moment your family needs clarity and legal authority.

Below, we answer the most common questions people ask about LPA pitfalls and explain how Power of Attorney Online helps you avoid them.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes in an LPA Application?

The most frequent errors include missing signatures, incorrect personal details, unclear instructions, and using the wrong signing order. The Office of the Public Guardian is strict, and even small mistakes can result in rejection.

Using a guided online service reduces human error. Power of Attorney Online checks your information as you go and highlights issues before submission.

Can Choosing the Wrong Attorney Cause Problems Later?

Yes. Your attorney plays a vital role and choosing someone unsuitable or failing to name replacements can cause serious difficulties if they cannot act when needed.

Power of Attorney Online explains the responsibilities of an attorney clearly and prompts you to consider backup attorneys, helping future-proof your LPA.

Is It Risky to Appoint Attorneys to Act Jointly Only?

It can be. If attorneys must act jointly, one unavailable person can stop all decisions, even in emergencies.

Our service explains the difference between acting jointly and jointly and severally in plain English, helping you choose the option that offers flexibility without losing control.

Why Are Preferences and Instructions So Important?

Preferences and instructions guide your attorneys on how to act. Leaving these sections blank can lead to uncertainty or decisions that do not reflect your wishes.

Power of Attorney Online prompts you to consider common scenarios and provides guidance so your LPA reflects your values and priorities.

What Happens If the Signing Order Is Wrong?

An incorrect signing order is one of the most common reasons for rejection. The donor, attorneys, and certificate provider must sign in the correct sequence.

Our step-by-step guidance clearly explains the signing process and reduces the risk of costly errors.

Is an LPA Valid Without Being Registered?

No. An LPA is not legally valid until it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Registration can take several weeks or months.

Power of Attorney Online ensures your forms are ready for registration and explains exactly how and when to submit them, so there are no delays when the LPA is needed.

Why Use Power of Attorney Online Instead of Doing It Alone?

Because mistakes are easy to make and can be expensive to fix. A rejected LPA can leave you unprotected and force loved ones to apply to the Court of Protection.

Power of Attorney Online offers step-by-step guidance, built-in checks, expert support and a faster, more affordable alternative to a solicitor, while still meeting all legal requirements.

Applying for a UK Power of Attorney does not have to be stressful or confusing. With the right guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your LPA is legally valid, clear, and ready when it is needed most.

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.