What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
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In short: A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your money or welfare if you lose mental capacity. Without one, your family may need a slow, expensive Court of Protection deputyship.
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Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
There are two types in England and Wales: Property & Financial Affairs (bills, bank accounts, property) and Health & Welfare (medical treatment and care). Registration costs £82 per LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian.
An LPA can only be made while you have mental capacity. Once capacity is lost it is too late — deputyship can take six months and cost over £1,500.
You can apply yourself via gov.uk/power-of-attorney. See our full LPA guide and how-to on registering an LPA.
Primary source: gov.uk/power-of-attorney
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