LPA Certificate Provider Guidance
02nd February 2026
The short answer:
A certificate provider must be either someone who's known the donor personally for at least two years, or a relevant professional (doctor, solicitor, social worker). They must be over 18, mentally capable, and independent of the LPA - not a family member, attorney, or anyone with a financial interest.
Updated: Tuesday 24th March 2026
How do I find a reliable Certificate Provider for my LPA? Our LPA Certificate Provider Guidance explains how a certificate provider plays a critical role in confirming you understand the document and aren’t being pressured into it. Choosing the right person up front helps protect your LPA from delays, challenges or rejection by the OPG.
What is a certificate provider and why do they matter?
A certificate provider is the independent person who signs your LPA to confirm you understand what you are doing and that no one is forcing you into it. It’s a safeguard designed to protect vulnerable people. If the certificate provider is unsuitable, the Office of the Public Guardian can reject the application or ask for clarification on who they are.
Who is a viable certificate provider?
A certificate provider must be over 18 and know you well. Common examples of relevant people are long-standing friends, neighbours, colleagues, solicitors, doctors or social workers. They can’t be one of your attorneys, a family member of an attorney or someone who would benefit from the LPA.
How do I check if someone is suitable to be a certificate provider?
A reliable certificate provider should be independent, understand their role and feel comfortable in confirming your capacity. If they know you personally, they should have known you for at least two years. If they are a professional, they should have experience dealing with legal, medical or social matters. It’s also important that they are willing to be contacted by the Office of the Public Guardian, if further checks are needed.
Are there any questions I should ask a potential certificate provider?
It’s sensible to properly explain what an LPA is and what the certificate provider must confirm to ensure you’re not under pressure, especially if there’s a follow-up from the OPG. A reliable certificate provider will take this responsibility seriously, given the significance of the document, and not treat it as a formality.
Are there common mistakes when choosing a certificate provider?
Common errors include selecting someone who isnt independent, such as a family member of an attorney, or someone who does not know you well enough. These are the type of issues that lead to delays, objections or a rejection of the LPA application by the OPG.
Are online or professional certificate provider’s an option?
Some people prefer a professional certificate provider, such as a solicitor or experienced advisor, especially if they want an independent third party. This can be helpful if there are complex family dynamics or concerns about future disputes, but they’ll likely charge for the service.
Online LPA services will only be able to guide you through the requirements and help you understand your options, but the certificate provider must still be a real person. It’s not something that can be done remotely
Can I reduce the risk of my LPA being rejected?
To reduce your risk of the LPA bouncing back, choose someone independent, ensure their details are correct and confirm they understand their responsibilities, all right from the start. A service like Power of Attorney Online will help you double check the LPA form before submission and give you another level of security.
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