# Lasting Power of Attorney — what it is and why almost everyone needs one > Family & care · Last updated 6 April 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/lasting-power-of-attorney/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/lasting-power-of-attorney.md ## Quick answer A Lasting Power of Attorney lets you choose someone you trust to manage your money or health decisions if you lose mental capacity — without one, your family may need a Court of Protection deputyship costing thousands and taking months. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity. Without one, your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection — a slow and expensive process. ## Key facts - Two types: Property & Financial Affairs (P&FA) and Health & Welfare (H&W). Most people need both. - Registration fee: £82 per LPA in England & Wales (£164 for both types). Half price if income under £12,000; free on certain benefits. - Without an LPA, decisions require a Court of Protection deputyship — typically £400+ in fees plus ongoing supervision costs. - Scotland has Continuing and Welfare Power of Attorney; Northern Ireland is rolling out new arrangements (was Enduring Power of Attorney). ## The two types Property & Financial Affairs LPA: gives your attorney(s) authority to deal with your bank accounts, pensions, bills, and property. Can be used as soon as it's registered (with your permission), or only when you lose capacity. Health & Welfare LPA: gives attorneys authority over medical treatment, care arrangements and where you live. Can only be used once you have lost capacity to make those decisions yourself. You can specify whether your attorneys must act jointly (all together), jointly and severally (any of them alone), or jointly on some decisions and severally on others. ## How to set one up Apply online at gov.uk/power-of-attorney or by post. You'll name attorneys, optional replacements, and a 'Certificate Provider' — someone independent who confirms you understand what you're doing and aren't being pressured. Send the signed form to the Office of the Public Guardian with the £82 fee. Registration takes around 8–20 weeks (the OPG aims to bring this down). The LPA cannot be used until registration is complete. Notify any 'people to be told' you've named. They have 3 weeks to raise objections before the OPG registers the LPA. ## Why timing matters An LPA can only be made while you still have mental capacity. Once capacity is lost (e.g. due to dementia, stroke or accident) it is too late — your family must apply for a Court of Protection deputyship, which can take 6+ months and cost over £1,500 in fees and legal advice. The Office of the Public Guardian routinely investigates attorneys suspected of abusing their position — keep records of decisions made for the donor. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I do it myself or do I need a solicitor? You can set one up yourself via gov.uk for the £82 fee. Many people use a solicitor for complex situations (business interests, blended families, vulnerable adults) — expect to pay £200–£600 per LPA on top of the registration fee. ### Does my LPA still work if I move abroad? An England & Wales LPA may not be recognised in other countries. If you split your time between countries, take local advice about equivalent documents (e.g. mandates in France, durable powers of attorney in the US). ### Can I cancel an LPA? Yes — while you still have mental capacity you can revoke an LPA by making a 'Deed of Revocation' and notifying the OPG and your attorneys. After capacity loss, only the Court of Protection can change or remove an LPA. ## Primary source https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney ## Related - [Wills & intestacy basics](https://moneyguide.org.uk/family-life/wills-and-intestacy/) - [Inheritance Tax calculator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/inheritance-tax-calculator/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.