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How do I make a lasting power of attorney?
For adults in England and Wales who want to choose someone to make decisions for them if they cannot.
Applies to: England, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) lets you choose people to make decisions for you if you can't. There are 2 types: health and welfare, and property and financial affairs.
- Choose your attorneys, fill in the forms, then register with the Office of the Public Guardian.
- Registration costs £92 unless you get a reduction or exemption.
- It takes 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes.
- You must be 18 or over and able to make your own decisions when you make it.
- It's legally binding in England and Wales only.
Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
Rules may be different in:
- Scotland: Check mygov.scot for Scotland
- Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland
Key facts
- £92 to register
- 8 to 10 weeks
- 2 types of LPA
The 2 types of LPA
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document. It lets you choose one or more people, called attorneys, to make decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. You can make one type or both.
| Type | What your attorneys can decide |
|---|---|
| Health and welfare | Your daily care, medical treatment, moving into a care home, and life-sustaining treatment |
| Property and financial affairs | Managing your bank accounts, paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension, and selling your home |
Who can make one
- You must be 18 or over.
- You must be able to make your own decisions when you make it. This is called having "mental capacity".
- You do not need to live in the UK or be a British citizen.
The people involved
Everyone must sign the original paper forms. Copies and digital signatures are not accepted.
- You (the "donor").
- Your attorneys. Choose them carefully.
- A certificate provider. This person confirms you understand the LPA and are not being pressured. They must be 18 or over and cannot be one of your attorneys.
- Witnesses. They must be 18 or over. Your attorneys can witness each other sign, but they cannot witness you sign.
How to make it
You can make an LPA online using the GOV.UK "Make a lasting power of attorney" service. It guides you through each step, lets you save and come back later, and checks your answers for mistakes. When you finish, you print the forms and sign them. You can also download paper forms and fill them in by hand.
How to register a lasting power of attorney
An LPA cannot be used until it is registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). You can register it, or your attorney can do it for you.
| Cost to register (2026) | Amount |
|---|---|
| One LPA | £92 |
| Both types (2 LPAs) | £184 |
| Repeat application within 3 months after mistakes | £46 |
You can pay by credit or debit card, or cheque. You can apply for a reduction if you earn less than £12,000. You may not have to pay at all if you get certain benefits, such as Income Support.
How long it takes: 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes. It is usually quicker if you make it and pay online.
Objections: people you choose to be told about your LPA get 3 weeks to raise concerns with the OPG.
Things to know
- An LPA made using these forms is legally binding in England and Wales only.
- You must be able to make your own decisions at the time you make an LPA, so do not leave it too late.
- For help, call the Office of the Public Guardian on 0300 456 0300.
If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland
Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems. In Scotland you make a power of attorney under Scottish rules (see mygov.scot). In Northern Ireland you can make an enduring power of attorney, which covers money and property only (see nidirect).
Related guides
- What is deputyship and how does it work?
- How do I apply for probate?
- Who inherits if someone dies without a will?
Where this comes from
Get it done
This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.
Make a lasting power of attorneyCommon questions
Do I need to live in the UK?
No. You don't need to live in the UK or be a British citizen to make one.
When can a property and financial LPA be used?
As soon as it's registered, with your permission.
Source: Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney
Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026
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