How to Apply for a Lasting Power of Attorney

1

Decide Which LPA You Need

There are two types of LPA:

• Health & Welfare LPA – Covers decisions about your medical care, living arrangements, and daily wellbeing.
• Property & Financial Affairs LPA – Covers decisions about money, bills, property, and investments.

2

Choose Your LPA Attorneys

Your attorneys are the people who will act for you if you lose mental capacity. They could be:

• A trusted friend or family member
• A professional, such as a solicitor

Choose someone responsible, trustworthy, and who understands your wishes.

3

Pick a Certificate Provider

A certificate provider confirms you’re making the LPA willingly and that you understand it. They must be:

• A professional (e.g., doctor or solicitor) or
• Someone who has known you personally for at least two years

4

Prepare Your Details

Before filling in your forms, you’ll need the full legal names and current addresses of:

You (the donor)

All attorneys

Your certificate provider

Any witnesses who will sign at the relevant stages

5

Complete Your Forms

You’ll need to include:

• Attorney names and details
• How they will act (jointly or individually)
• Any preferences or instructions

Our online system makes this simple and helps reduce the chance of errors that could lead to rejection.

6

Sign in the Correct Order

All signatures must be wet signatures (pen on paper). The correct order is:

1. You (the donor): sign first, with a witness.

2. Certificate provider: signs next.

3. Attorneys: each must sign with a witness.

Witnesses must be independent adults. Record their full legal names and addresses clearly.

7

Register Your LPA

Send your forms to the Office of the Public Guardian.

• Fee: £82 per LPA (discounts may apply if you’re on a low income)
• Registration time: Up to 10 weeks

8

Keep It Safe

Once registered, your LPA is legally valid. Store it securely and make sure your attorneys know where to find it. You can also keep a digital copy for convenience.