How to avoid mistakes in an LPA Application

16th January 2026

Updated: Thursday 26th March 2026

How to Avoid Mistakes in an LPA Application Before It’s Too Late

How to avoid mistakes in an LPA Application is something many families only begin to understand when something has already gone wrong. Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney shouldn’t be too difficult, but mistakes along the way can lead to long delays or rejected applications. Knowing the cause of these problems and how to fix them will help donors and attorneys avoid that stress in the first place.

What happens if an LPA is signed in the wrong order?

Ordering your signatures correctly on a Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal requirement, not just a ‘nice to have’ formality. The donor must sign first, followed by their certificate provider, and then the attorneys. If this sequence is not followed exactly, the LPA is invalid and won’t be registered.

When the OPG reviews an application and spots a signing order error, the document is rejected. In most cases, it can’t simply be amended, so a fresh LPA must be completed and signed again. This could mean paying the registration fee again and restarting the waiting period.

An incorrect signing order is one of the most common reasons LPAs fail in the registration process.

What could cause a delay after sending an LPA to the OPG?

Even when an LPA is correctly completed, delays can still occur. The OPG processes nearly one million applications each year and review times vary depending on demand. That said, certain issues regularly slow things down.

Missing information, mismatched names or addresses, unclear instructions or concerns raised during the statutory waiting period are all common causes for delays. In particular, if someone named to be notified raises an objection, the OPG must investigate before registration can proceed, which could take months.

Delays also happen when documents are unclear or difficult to verify. Handwritten forms, corrections made illegibly or inconsistent details can all trigger flags at the OPG. Each query could add weeks to the process.

Can an LPA be changed after submission?

This really depends on the type of error. Minor administrative issues, such as small spelling mistakes or formatting problems, can sometimes be resolved if the OPG contacts the applicant and understands the context.

More serious errors can’t be fixed once the LPA has been submitted though. Examples of what is considered a serious error are signing in the wrong order, missing signatures or using an incorrect certificate provider. In these situations, the application is usually cancelled and you’ll need to start again from the beginning.

It’s important to know the difference here. Many people assume any mistakes can be corrected, but the law is strict because an LPA is a legal document.

Careful preparation can make a real difference

Most LPA delays are preventable. Take your time to complete the forms accurately, understand the signing process and check the details before submission. This can save months of waiting and extra costs.

A lot of people find using a guided online service like Power of Attorney Online can add that extra layer of protection. Your forms will be reviewed before submission so that common pitfalls are avoided. This reduces the risk of rejection and will offer reassurance the application meets OPG standards.