How to Obtain Power of Attorney in the UK

04th September 2025

Planning for the future isn’t always easy to think about, but it’s one of the most caring things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) ensures that, if the time ever comes when you can’t make decisions yourself, the people you trust can step in and help. But how do you actually obtain Power of Attorney in the UK? Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Decide which type of LPA you need

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney in England and Wales:

• Health and Welfare LPA – lets your chosen attorneys make decisions about your medical care, daily routine, and living arrangements if you’re unable to.
• Property and Financial Affairs LPA – gives them authority to help with things like managing your bank accounts, paying bills, or selling property.

Most people choose to set up both, as they cover different but equally important areas of life.

Step 2: Choose your attorneys

Your attorneys are the people you appoint to make decisions on your behalf. They should be people you know well and trust completely, often a spouse, adult children, or close friends. You can appoint more than one attorney and even name replacements in case your first choice can’t act in future.

Step 3: Complete the LPA forms

You’ll need to fill in official forms provided by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). These forms capture details about you, your attorneys, and how you want your LPA to work. This step can feel a little daunting, which is why many people use a service like ours to guide them through the process, ensuring it’s completed correctly and without unnecessary stress.

Step 4: Sign and witness the documents

An LPA must be signed by you, your attorneys, and a certificate provider (someone who confirms you understand what you’re doing and that you’re not being pressured). All signatures must be in a specific order for the LPA to be valid and be witnessed.

Step 5: Register with the Office of the Public Guardian

Finally, your LPA must be registered with the OPG before it can be used. This process takes several weeks, sometimes months, so it’s always best to get started early. Once approved, the registered document should be kept safe, ready to be used if it’s ever needed.

Why choose Power of Attorney Online?

While it’s possible to complete the process yourself, many families prefer extra peace of mind. With Power of Attorney Online, you’ll be guided step by step and our experts carefully check your forms before submission. It’s a simple, affordable way to make sure everything is done right.

Ready to get started? Set up your Power of Attorney online today. It only takes 15 minutes and you’ll have the reassurance of knowing your future and your family are protected.