A lasting power of attorney lets you choose people you trust. They make decisions for you if you lose the ability to decide for yourself. It covers money, property, health and daily care. It only works if you set it up while you still have mental capacity. This guide explains how a lasting power of attorney works and what it costs. It shows how to set one up in England and Wales, plus what changes in Scotland. If you searched for a power of attorney United Kingdom guide, you are in the right place. The rules below give the whole UK picture, with the England and Wales steps first.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
The power of attorney meaning is simple. It is a legal document that lets you pick trusted people to act for you. You are the donor. Also, the people you pick are your attorneys. A lasting power of attorney does not hand over control at once. In fact, you keep full control while you have mental capacity. Your attorneys step in only when the document allows it, or when you lose capacity. In short, it protects your choices before a crisis hits.
The Two Types of Lasting Power of Attorney
Every lasting power of attorney falls into one of two types. Each type needs its own form and its own registration. You can make one type, or both. In fact, most people make both, since money and health decisions often go together. First, look at the two types, then decide which ones you need.
Property and Financial Affairs (LP1F)
This type covers money and property. Your attorneys can run your bank accounts and pay your bills. Also, they can claim benefits and pensions, and buy or sell property for you. For example, they can sell your home if you move into care and the money must fund it. You choose when this LPA takes effect. It can start as soon as you register it, if you give permission, or only once you lose capacity. Also, the form for this type is LP1F.
Health and Welfare (LP1H)
This type covers daily life and medical care. Your attorneys decide your daily routine, your medical treatment, and a move into a care home. They can also decide on life-sustaining treatment, but only if you give them that power in the document. Attorneys can use this LPA only once you lose capacity. In short, it never applies while you can still decide for yourself. The form for this type is LP1H.
How Much Does Power of Attorney Cost?
So how much does power of attorney cost? In fact, you pay a registration fee of £92 for each LPA. As a result, both types together cost £184 to register. Also, this fee goes to the Office of the Public Guardian, and it applies to each LPA you register. Next, check if you can pay less. You pay only £46 if your gross annual income is £12,000 or less. You may pay nothing at all if you receive certain means-tested benefits. Check the current list on GOV.UK before you apply, since the rules changed in February 2026. Finally, remember that solicitor fees sit on top of the registration fee. If you use a solicitor, the fees vary from firm to firm.
The LPA Fee Increase 2025
The LPA fee increase 2025 took the registration fee from £82 to £92 on 17 November 2025. In other words, each LPA now costs £10 more to register than it did before that date. Also, the new £92 fee applies to both types — property and financial affairs, and health and welfare. The £92 fee has applied since 17 November 2025. First, check the fee on GOV.UK before you send your forms, since fees can change again.
How to Set Up a Lasting Power of Attorney
You can make a lasting power of attorney online or on paper. First, check that you can make one: you must be 18 or over and have mental capacity. Next, choose your attorneys — people you trust, aged 18 or over. Then pick a certificate provider: someone who confirms that you understand the LPA and that nobody pressures you. Your LPA certificate provider must have known you for at least two years. Or they can work as a professional, such as a solicitor, doctor or social worker.
After that, fill in the LPA form: use LP1F for property and financial affairs, and LP1H for health and welfare. You can also use the LP12 guide, which walks you through each form. Then everyone signs in the right order: you sign first, then the certificate provider, then your attorneys. Finally, register the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian. Registration usually takes 8–10 weeks once the OPG receives your documents, though it can take longer. Remember: the LPA has no legal effect until the OPG registers it.
How to Become a POA: Who Can Be an Attorney?
If a family member asks you to act for them, you may wonder how to become a POA. The answer is simple: the donor names you in their LPA, you sign the form, and the OPG registers it. You must be 18 or over. Also, you must act in the donor’s best interests at all times. And you must keep their money separate from your own. For example, you can pay their bills from their account, but you cannot use their money for yourself. In fact, the OPG can investigate an attorney who misuses their powers. Finally, you can step down later if you can no longer act. In that case, the donor may need to name a replacement.
Power of Attorney Scotland: What Is Different?
A power of attorney Scotland residents make works differently from the England and Wales version. Scotland uses two documents. The first is Continuing Power of Attorney for financial matters. The second is Welfare Power of Attorney for health and personal welfare. Also, you register them with the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland), not the England and Wales OPG. Also, Northern Ireland still uses Enduring Powers of Attorney, a different older system. In short, if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, follow your own country’s rules. The steps in this guide cover England and Wales.
What If There Is No Lasting Power of Attorney?
If someone loses capacity and has no LPA, nobody can step in at once. Instead, a family member or friend must apply to the Court of Protection. In fact, the court can appoint a deputy to make decisions for the person. The court process takes time, and the court — not the family — chooses who acts. For example, court of protection solicitors can help you prepare the application and guide you through the hearings. As a result, most advisers say the same thing. Set up an LPA while you still can. The deputy route gives you less choice over who acts.
Can You Change or Cancel a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Yes, you can change or cancel an LPA while you still have mental capacity. First, tell the OPG and your attorneys in writing. Next, send a written revocation, known as a deed of revocation, to the OPG. Also, take legal advice if your attorneys have already used the LPA. Cancelling it can affect decisions they already made. Finally, make a new LPA if you still want one, and register that one too.
When to Get Legal Help
Most people can set up an LPA without a solicitor, using the GOV.UK service or the paper forms. However, talk to a solicitor if your family situation is complicated. Do the same if you run a business or hold a large estate. Also, a solicitor or other legal professionals can help if someone challenges the LPA. They can also help if you need advice on the Court of Protection. This article gives general information only — it is not legal advice. A will is a separate document. It deals with your estate after death, while an LPA deals with decisions during your life.
FAQs
Do I need a solicitor to make a lasting power of attorney?
No. You can make one yourself online or with the paper forms LP1F and LP1H. However, a solicitor helps if your situation is complex.
How long does it take to register a lasting power of attorney?
Registration usually takes 8–10 weeks once the OPG receives your documents. It can take longer at busy times, so apply early.
Can I use one straight away?
It depends on the type. You can use a property and financial affairs LPA as soon as you register it, if you give permission. A health and welfare LPA applies only once you lose capacity.
What happens if I lose capacity without a lasting power of attorney?
Your family must apply to the Court of Protection, which can appoint a deputy. The court chooses the deputy, and the process takes time.
Does it cover Scotland?
No. Scotland uses Continuing Power of Attorney and Welfare Power of Attorney, registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland).
A little planning now saves your family a difficult process later. First, pick people you trust. Next, choose the types you need and fill in the right forms. Then register them with the OPG and tell your attorneys where you keep the documents. Finally, the slow steps are the ones that protect your choices.
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