How to Get Power of Attorney for a Parent

06th October 2025

Updated: Thursday 8th January 2026

Supporting an ageing parent often means helping with finances, healthcare, or planning for the future. One of the most important legal protections you can put in place is a Lasting Power of Attorney. This allows a parent to choose who can make decisions for them if they are ever unable to do so themselves. Understanding how the process works makes it far easier to approach with confidence and care.

Understanding what a Lasting Power of Attorney does

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document made by your parent, known as the donor. It gives authority to one or more trusted people, called attorneys, to make decisions on their behalf if capacity is lost.

There are two separate LPAs in England and Wales. One covers health and welfare decisions, such as medical treatment, care arrangements, and where someone lives. The other covers property and financial affairs, including bank accounts, bills, pensions and property.

Many families choose to put both in place so that all aspects of life are protected and there is no uncertainty later on.

Why timing matters when arranging Power of Attorney

An LPA can only be made while your parent has mental capacity. This means they must understand what the document is, what powers they are giving, and who they are appointing.

If capacity is lost before an LPA is completed and registered, family members cannot simply step in. Instead, an application to the Court of Protection is required, which can take many months, cost significantly more, and involve ongoing supervision. Putting an LPA in place early keeps control with your parent and avoids unnecessary stress for everyone involved.

How to approach the conversation with your parent

Raising the topic of Power of Attorney can feel sensitive. A calm, open discussion focused on protection rather than loss of independence often helps. Many parents find reassurance in knowing they remain in control by choosing their own attorneys and setting boundaries around decisions.

Framing the conversation around planning, peace of mind, and making things easier for the family can make it feel like a practical step rather than an emotional one.

Choosing attorneys and completing the forms

Your parent decides who to appoint as attorney. This could be one child, several children acting together, or another trusted person. Replacement attorneys can also be named in case circumstances change.

The LPA forms can be completed online or on paper. They require accurate details and clear choices about how decisions should be made. Mistakes are common, which is why many families use a guided online service like Power of Attorney Online to reduce the risk of rejection and delays.

Signing, witnessing, and registering the LPA

The signing process must follow a strict order. Your parent signs first, followed by a certificate provider who confirms they understand the document and are not under pressure. Attorneys then sign to confirm their role. Each signature must be properly witnessed.

The completed LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. There is a registration fee per document, and processing usually takes several weeks. Until registration is complete, the LPA has no legal authority.

Avoiding common problems and delays

Thousands of applications are rejected each year due to missing signatures, incorrect dates, or misunderstandings about roles. Taking time, following clear guidance and having forms checked before submission can save months of delay.

Arranging Power of Attorney for a parent is a practical act of care. It protects their wishes, reduces uncertainty, and gives the whole family confidence about the future. With the right support, it can be completed smoothly and without unnecessary stress.