How to Obtain Power of Attorney in the UK

04th September 2025

Updated: Thursday 8th January 2026

Planning ahead is one of the most responsible things you can do for yourself and the people who care about you. Obtaining a Lasting Power of Attorney in the UK ensures that if you ever lose the ability to make decisions, trusted individuals can step in legally and without delay. Understanding how the process works makes it far less daunting.

Choosing the right type of UK Power of Attorney

In England and Wales, Power of Attorney usually means a Lasting Power of Attorney. There are two separate documents, each covering different decisions.

A Health and Welfare LPA focuses on personal matters. This includes medical treatment, care arrangements, daily routines, and decisions about where you live. It can only be used if you lose mental capacity.

A Property and Financial Affairs LPA deals with money and assets. This covers bank accounts, paying bills, managing pensions, and selling property. It can be used as soon as it is registered, if you choose, even while you still have capacity.

Most people decide to put both in place so that all areas of life are protected.

Deciding who should act as your attorney

Attorneys are the people who will make decisions on your behalf. They should be individuals you trust completely, as they will be acting in your best interests. Common choices include a spouse, partner, adult children or close friends.

You can appoint more than one attorney and decide whether they act together or independently. It is also sensible to name replacement attorneys in case your first choice is unable to act in the future.

Completing the Power of Attorney application

To obtain Power of Attorney, the correct forms must be completed. These are issued by the Office of the Public Guardian and include details about you, your attorneys and how you want decisions to be made.

Accuracy matters at this stage. Errors or unclear wording can lead to delays or rejection during registration. Many people use an online service to guide them through each section, explain legal language clearly and reduce the risk of mistakes.

Signing and witnessing the documents correctly

An LPA is only valid if it is signed in the correct order. You, as the donor, sign first. A certificate provider then confirms that you understand the document and are not under pressure. Finally, your attorneys sign to confirm they are willing to act.

Each signature must be witnessed properly. This step is crucial, as signing errors are one of the most common reasons LPAs are rejected.

Registering Power of Attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian

Once signed, the LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. Registration usually takes up to 10 weeks and sometimes longer during busy periods.

There is a fee to register each LPA, although reductions or exemptions may apply. Until registration is complete, the document has no legal authority, which is why acting early is so important.

Why many people choose to apply online

While it is possible to manage the process independently, many families prefer reassurance. Online services like Power of Attorney Online provide step by step guidance, expert checks and clear explanations throughout. This makes the process faster, more accurate, and far less stressful.

Obtaining Power of Attorney is a practical step that protects your wishes and removes uncertainty for your loved ones. Done early and done properly, it offers long term peace of mind for everyone involved.