How to make a lasting power of attorney (LPA)
An LPA lets people you trust make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity. You can make one yourself online through GOV.UK. It costs £92 per LPA to register in England and Wales and takes 8 to 10 weeks.
- Time
- A few hours over several days; 8 to 10 weeks to register
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cost
- Moderate cost
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Names, addresses and dates of birth of the people you want as attorneys
- A certificate provider (see step 3)
- Witnesses for signatures
- £92 per LPA, unless you qualify for a reduction or exemption
Safety first
- These rules apply to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different systems.
- If the OPG finds a mistake, you may be able to fix it and reapply within 3 months for £46, so check carefully first.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Choose the type of LPA
There are two kinds: property and financial affairs (bills, bank accounts, selling your home) and health and welfare (medical care, where you live, life-sustaining treatment). You can make one or both. They're separate documents, each with its own fee.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Choose your attorneys
Attorneys must be 18 or over and should be people you trust, such as a relative, friend or professional. You can choose more than one and decide whether they must act together or can act separately. You can also name replacement attorneys.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Choose a certificate provider
This person, aged 18 or over, confirms you understand the LPA and aren't being pressured. An attorney can't be your certificate provider. Choose someone who knows you well, or a professional such as a doctor or solicitor, and check GOV.UK's rules on who can't act.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Fill in the forms
Use the Make a lasting power of attorney online service on GOV.UK, or download and print the paper forms. You can name people to be told when the LPA is registered, which gives them a chance to raise concerns.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Sign in the right order
Print and sign in this order: you, then your certificate provider, then your attorneys (and replacements). Signatures must be witnessed. Your attorneys can't witness your signature. Follow the instructions exactly: mistakes can mean the LPA is rejected.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Register it with the Office of the Public Guardian
An LPA can't be used until it's registered. Send it to the OPG with the fee: £92 per LPA (£184 for both). You can apply for a reduction if you earn under £12,000 a year, or an exemption if you get certain benefits. Registration takes 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Keep it safe and tell people
When it comes back, store it safely and tell your attorneys where it is. Your attorneys can use it once registered (for property and finance, with your permission while you still have capacity).
Tips
- Make an LPA while you're well: once someone has lost capacity, it's too late, and family may have to apply to the Court of Protection, which is slower and costs more.
- Talk your wishes through with your attorneys.
When to call a professional
Consider a solicitor if your affairs are complex, you own a business, there's family disagreement, or you're worried someone may be under pressure. Age UK and Citizens Advice can explain the basics free.
Questions people ask
Can I do it without a solicitor?
Yes. Many people do it themselves using the GOV.UK service.
Is it the same as a will?
No. An LPA covers decisions while you're alive. A will covers what happens after you die.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-make-a-lasting-power-of-attorney/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.