Who Can Witness an LPA?
28th August 2025
Updated: Friday 16th January 2026
Who Can Witness an LPA? is one of the most common and important questions people ask when creating a Lasting Power of Attorney. Getting the wording right is only part of the process. The signing and witnessing stage is just as critical. If it is done incorrectly, the Office of the Public Guardian can reject the application, causing delays at the exact moment clarity is needed most.
Understanding who can witness each signature helps ensure your LPA is valid, compliant and ready to register first time.
Why does witnessing a UK Power of Attorney matter?
Witnessing confirms that each person signed the document willingly and in the correct order. The witness must be physically present when the signature is made and then add their own signature and details. If this step is missed or done incorrectly, the LPA has no legal standing, even if everything else is correct.
The Office of the Public Guardian reviews thousands of applications each year, and witnessing errors remain one of the most common reasons for rejection.
Who is allowed to witness the donor’s signature?
The donor is the person making the LPA. Their signature must be witnessed by someone who meets specific criteria.
- The witness must be aged 18 or over.
- They must not be named as an attorney or replacement attorney in the LPA.
- They should be independent and ideally not a close family member or someone who may benefit from the donor’s decisions.
While the law does not completely forbid relatives from acting as witnesses, independence reduces the risk of questions or objections during registration.
Who can witness an attorney signing the LPA?
Attorneys must also have their signatures witnessed, and the rules are slightly different.
- The witness must be over 18.
- They cannot be the donor.
- They cannot be another attorney or replacement attorney named in the same LPA.
Each attorney needs their own witness present when they sign. One witness can be used for multiple attorneys, provided they meet the criteria and are present for each signature.
Can the certificate provider act as a witness?
No. The certificate provider plays a separate legal role. They confirm that the donor understands the LPA and is not under pressure. Because of this, they cannot witness any signatures on the document. Using a certificate provider as a witness will invalidate that section of the form and lead to rejection.
What rules apply to all LPA witnesses?
Every witness must be physically present when the signature is made. Remote or virtual witnessing is not allowed. Witnesses must be mentally capable and understand what they are witnessing. All signatures must be made in ink. Electronic or digital signatures are not accepted by the Office of the Public Guardian.
What mistakes cause LPAs to be rejected?
- The donor signing after an attorney, which is never allowed.
- Using an attorney or replacement attorney as a witness.
- Allowing the certificate provider to witness a signature.
- Choosing a witness who has a clear financial interest in the donor’s affairs.
These errors can mean starting the process again, even after weeks of waiting.
How can you avoid problems with witnessing?
Clear guidance makes a significant difference. Power of Attorney Online walks you through who signs, who can witness and the exact order required. Built in checks help reduce the risk of simple but costly mistakes.
Witnessing does not need to be stressful, but it does need to be correct. Taking the time to get it right protects your application and your future decisions.
Start your LPA with confidence using Power of Attorney Online and avoid delays caused by avoidable errors.
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I always thought LPAs were just for older people, but a friend's accident made me realise it could happen to anyone. Now, I know my loved ones can act on my behalf if needed.
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I didn't write anything for my Preferences & Instructions. I figured the law already has safeguards in place, and my attorneys will have enough guidance to act in my best interests
Figuring out who would be my certificate provider was the last part of the form I sorted. I didn't realise how important that person would be until I read more about their role.
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