Who Can Witness an LPA?
28th August 2025
Updated:
23rd September 2025
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future, but getting the signing and witnessing process right is just as crucial before you can register your Power of Attorney. One of the most common questions people ask is: who can witness an LPA?
Let’s break it down clearly, so you can get it right first time.
Why Witnessing a UK Power of Attorney Matters
The witness’s role is simple but legally essential: they must physically watch the person signing the form and then add their own details and signature. If the witnessing isn’t done correctly, your the LPA you are making could be rejected by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), which may cause delays or force you to start the process again.
Who Can Witness the Donor’s Signature?
The donor is the person making the LPA. Their signature must be witnessed by:
- Someone aged 18 or over
- Someone who is not named as an attorney or replacement attorney
- Ideally someone independent, not a close relative or beneficiary
Who Can Witness the Attorney’s Signature?
Attorneys (the people appointed to act on behalf of the donor) must also have their signature witnessed. The rules are:
- The witness must be over 18
- The witness cannot be the donor
- The witness cannot be another attorney
Can the Certificate Provider Act as a Witness?
No. The certificate provider has a completely separate role in the LPA process. They cannot act as a witness for either the donor or the attorneys.
Rules All LPA Witnesses Must Follow
Whether they are witnessing the donor or attorney, all LPA witnesses must:
- Be physically present at the time of signing (no virtual witnessing)
- Understand what they are doing and be mentally capable
- Sign in ink (digital or electronic signatures are not accepted)
Common Mistakes When Choosing an LPA Witness
- Letting the attorney sign before the donor: The donor must sign first in all cases.
- Using the same person to witness both the donor and attorney’s signature: this is only okay if they meet the criteria for both.
- Choosing a witness who stands to benefit from the donor’s estate or decisions.
- Allowing a certificate provider to act as a witness. This will invalidate the form.
Can a Family Member Witness a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Yes, in some cases family members can act as witnesses, provided they are not named as attorneys or replacement attorneys in the LPA.
However, it is strongly recommended to choose someone independent wherever possible. This avoids the risk of challenges later and ensures the OPG has no reason to question the witness’s impartiality.
Make LPA Witnessing Easy with Guided Support
Getting a Lasting Power of Attorney witnessed correctly can feel overwhelming, especially with multiple signatories and strict rules.
That’s why using a guided service like Power of Attorney Online makes the process much easier. Our service walks you through:
- Who signs what, and in what order
- Who can act as a witness without risk of rejection
- Real-time checks to avoid costly mistakes
Don’t risk having your LPA rejected over a simple signature. Start your LPA the smart way with Power of Attorney Online.
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