Lasting Power of Attorney

A Complete Guide to Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows someone you trust (an “attorney”) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity or decide you no longer want to make certain decisions yourself.

In England and Wales, LPAs are governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Having one in place provides security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones, ensuring your wishes are respected.

Contents

• What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
• Why Is an LPA Important?
• Types of Lasting Power of Attorney
• Who Can Be an Attorney?
• How to Make a Lasting Power of Attorney
• Legal Requirements for an LPA
• How Much Does It Cost to Create an LPA?
• Lasting Power of Attorney Template (Example)
• Lasting Power of Attorney FAQs
• Get Started with Your LPA

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

An LPA is a legal document registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). It allows you (the “donor”) to appoint one or more trusted people (the “attorneys”) to make decisions about your health, welfare, property, or finances if you cannot.

Why Is an LPA Important?

Without an LPA:

• Family may need to apply to the Court of Protection (costly, slow, stressful).
• Your finances could be frozen if you lose capacity.
• Health and welfare decisions may fall to professionals instead of loved ones.

With an LPA:

• Your wishes are respected.
• Attorneys can act quickly and lawfully.
• Family members are spared complex court applications.

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Types of Lasting Power of Attorney

There are two types of LPA under UK law:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA
  Lets attorneys manage money, bills, bank accounts, investments, property, and financial decisions.
• Health and Welfare LPA
  Covers medical care, living arrangements, daily routines, and life-sustaining treatment decisions.

Many people set up both for full protection.

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Who Can Be an Attorney?

• Must be over 18 and have mental capacity.
• Often a spouse, partner, adult child, or close friend.
• Can also be a professional (e.g. solicitor).
• You can appoint replacement attorneys in case your first choice cannot act.

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How to Make a Lasting Power of Attorney

1. Complete the official LPA forms (online or paper).
2. Choose your attorneys and specify their powers.
3. Have the form signed by you, your attorneys, and a certificate provider.
4. Register the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.
5. Once registered, the LPA can be used when required.

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Legal Requirements for an LPA

• Must be made by someone aged 18+ with mental capacity.
• Must be signed and witnessed correctly.
• Must be registered with the OPG before use.
• Attorneys must always act in the donor’s best interests.

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How Much Does It Cost to Create an LPA?

• Government Fee
  £82 per LPA (so £164 for both types). Fee reductions available for those on low income.
• Solicitor Drafted
  £300-£800 per LPA.
• Online Platforms
  £50-£150 for solicitor-verified templates, in addition to the OPG registration fee.

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Lasting Power of Attorney Template (Example)

Robot Lawyer provides a solicitor-verified LPA template that ensures your document is legally valid and compliant with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It includes all the required sections and guidance, tailored to your personal circumstances.

Unlike generic downloads, Robot Lawyer’s LPA template is reviewed by professionals and kept up to date with current law, giving you confidence that your wishes will be respected.

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Lasting Power of Attorney FAQs

What’s the difference between an LPA and an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)?
EPAs were replaced by LPAs in 2007. Existing EPAs are still valid but new ones cannot be made.

Do I need both types of LPA?
It depends. Many people make both, so attorneys can deal with finances and health/welfare matters. If you only want one area covered, you can choose just one.

Can I still make decisions after making an LPA?
Yes. As long as you have mental capacity, you stay in control. Attorneys step in only when you can’t, or when you choose to let them.

Can an LPA be challenged?
Yes, if someone believes it was made under pressure or without proper understanding. The OPG or Court of Protection can investigate.

How long does it take to register an LPA?
Usually 8-10 weeks with the Office of the Public Guardian, assuming no objections.

Are electronic signatures valid for LPAs?
No. LPAs must still be signed on paper by the donor, attorneys, and witnesses.

Why use Robot Lawyer’s LPA template?
It is solicitor-verified, easy to complete, and ensures full compliance with UK law at a fraction of the cost of traditional routes.

Get Started with Your LPA

Need to make a Lasting Power of Attorney? Robot Lawyer makes it fast and affordable to generate solicitor-verified LPAs.

How it works:

1. Select Create Document ➝

2. Answer a few quick questions about your circumstances.

3. Instantly receive a solicitor-verified LPA template.

4. Register it with the Office of the Public Guardian.

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