How to Set Up a Lasting Power of Attorney UK: Step-by-Step

If illness, an accident or dementia leaves you unable to manage your affairs, even a spouse or adult child can’t automatically access your bank accounts, pay bills or make care decisions. Without the right legal authority, families often face the Court of Protection or guardianship route — a slow, stressful and expensive process at an already difficult time.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the simple, official way to stay in control. You choose trusted people to act for you if you can’t, covering your property and finances, and/or your health and welfare. Set up while you have mental capacity and register with the Office of the Public Guardian, and your attorneys can step in quickly when needed.

This practical guide walks you through the UK process step by step: picking the right LPA(s), checking eligibility and capacity, choosing attorneys and how they’ll decide, setting preferences and instructions, finding a certificate provider, completing the GOV.UK forms, signing in the correct order, paying and registering, and using the digital access code. We’ll explain attorney duties and limits, how to change or cancel an LPA, what to do if it’s too late (deputyship), the key differences across the UK nations, and the next steps to round off your planning.

Step 1. Understand what a lasting power of attorney is (UK)

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document you make while you have mental capacity, appointing one or more trusted people (your “attorneys”) to make decisions for you if you can’t. In England and Wales it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used, which typically takes several weeks. Being married or in a civil partnership doesn’t give automatic authority to manage your money or make care decisions—without an LPA, professionals or the court decide.

There are two UK LPA types for England and Wales. Most people set up both so life’s practical and care decisions are covered:

• Property and financial affairs LPA: lets your attorney handle money, bills, bank accounts, pensions, benefits and property. You can choose for it to be used with your permission while you still have capacity, or only if you later lack capacity.
• Health and welfare LPA: lets your attorney decide on daily routines, medical treatment, care arrangements and where you live. It can only be used if you lack capacity at the time a decision is needed, and you must state whether your attorney may decide about life-sustaining treatment.

To make an LPA you must be 18+ and free from pressure, and you must understand what you’re signing—“mental capacity” means being able to understand, weigh, remember and communicate each decision.

Step 2. Know the other powers of attorney and how they differ (ordinary POA, enduring POA)

Not every “power of attorney” does the same job. If you’re planning ahead for possible loss of capacity, the lasting power of attorney in the UK is the key tool. Two other types exist or have existed, with important differences.

• Ordinary power of attorney (OPA): Financial decisions only. It’s valid only while you still have mental capacity. Useful for temporary help (for example, during a hospital stay or while you’re abroad) and you can limit it to specific tasks or accounts. It automatically stops if you lose capacity.

• Enduring power of attorney (EPA): Financial decisions only. You can’t make new EPAs—LPAs replaced them on 1 October 2007. An EPA made before that date is still valid, and it must be registered when the person starts to lose capacity. Cancelling a registered EPA usually needs the Court of Protection’s permission.

• Lasting power of attorney (LPA): The current system. Available for property and financial affairs, and for health and welfare. Made while you have capacity and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Health and welfare LPAs only apply if you lack capacity at the time of the decision.

Bottom line: use an OPA for short-term, capacity-intact help; rely on an LPA for long-term planning if capacity might be lost.

Step 3. Decide which LPA(s) you need: property and financial affairs, health and welfare

In England and Wales there are two separate lasting powers of attorney, and you can make either or both. The NHS recommends setting up both together so your money matters and your care are covered. Each LPA is its own legal document, so if you want full protection you’ll make two.

A Property and Financial Affairs LPA lets your attorney manage money, accounts, bills, pensions and benefits, sell your home and even handle a business. Once registered, you can choose for it to be used with your permission while you still have capacity, or only if you later lack capacity. A Health and Welfare LPA covers where you live, day‑to‑day care, medical treatment and social contact. It can only be used if you lack capacity at the time a decision is needed, and you’ll also decide whether your attorney may make life‑sustaining treatment decisions later in this process.

• Choose both if: you want seamless authority over finances and care, you own property, have investments or a business, and you want trusted people to decide care and medical matters if you can’t.
• Prioritise financial LPA if: you mainly need help with banking, bills or property now, or want attorneys to assist with your permission.
• Prioritise health and welfare LPA if: your finances are simple but you want clear say over future care and treatment.

You can add the second LPA later, provided you still have mental capacity at the time.

Step 4. Check eligibility and mental capacity requirements

Before you create a lasting power of attorney UK, check you meet the legal basics. You (the “donor”) must be 18 or over, understand what an LPA is and what powers you’re giving, and be making it of your own free will. You also need “mental capacity” at the moment you sign; a diagnosis (for example, dementia) doesn’t automatically remove capacity, because it’s decision‑ and time‑specific.

What “mental capacity” means in practice

Capacity is about being able to understand, weigh, remember and communicate information relevant to the specific decision at the time it needs to be made. You should be given as much help as possible to decide; taking longer or making an “unwise” choice doesn’t mean you lack capacity.

• Understand: what an LPA is, who your attorneys are, the decisions they may make, and the consequences.
• Weigh: the pros and cons of appointing attorneys and any limits you set.
• Remember: the key information long enough to make the decision.
• Communicate: your decision by talking, signing, or other means.

Avoiding undue pressure and evidencing capacity

No one should pressure you to make an LPA. A required “certificate provider” will confirm you understand the document and are not being coerced (this is someone who knows you well for 2+ years or a professional such as a solicitor, doctor or social worker). Choose a calm time and place to sign and consider a professional certificate provider if your capacity could be questioned. If you sign while you have capacity but lose it before registration, your attorney can register the LPA for you later.

Step 5. Choose your attorney(s) and replacement attorney(s)

Picking the right people is the single biggest factor in whether your lasting power of attorney works smoothly when it’s needed. You’re handing real decision‑making power to others, so choose attorneys you trust absolutely, who understand your wishes, have the time to help, and will act in your best interests if you can’t.

• Legal must‑haves: Attorneys must be 18+. A property and financial affairs attorney cannot be bankrupt. Professional care workers generally shouldn’t be appointed except in exceptional situations.
• Who to choose: A close family member or friend who is reliable, organised and calm under pressure; or a professional (e.g. a solicitor) if your affairs are complex. Professional attorneys charge for their time; non‑professionals can usually only claim out‑of‑pocket expenses unless you expressly allow payment in the LPA.
• Standards and records (finance LPA): Attorneys must keep your money separate from their own and keep accounts. All attorneys must act in your best interests, not theirs.
• Willing and informed: Give anyone you’re asking time to consider the role and responsibilities before they accept.

Replacement attorneys

It’s wise to name one or more replacement attorneys who can step in if an original attorney dies, loses mental capacity, or can no longer act. This preserves your plan without needing a new LPA, provided you still want the same overall approach.

How many to appoint

You can appoint one or several attorneys. Many people pick two (plus a replacement) for resilience. In the next step you’ll decide whether they must act jointly, jointly and severally, or a mix.

Step 6. Decide how attorneys will make decisions (jointly, jointly and severally, or mixed)

If you appoint more than one attorney in your lasting power of attorney, you must state how they will take decisions. This choice affects speed, convenience and safeguards, so match the model to your risks and your family dynamics.

• Jointly (all decisions together): Maximum oversight, but slower and impractical if one attorney is away or unwell. Any disagreement can stall action.
• Jointly and severally (together or separately): Most flexible and practical day‑to‑day; any attorney can act alone. Works well when attorneys are trusted and communicate well.
• Mixed (specific decisions jointly; others jointly and severally): A useful balance. For example, require attorneys to act jointly for selling your home, but allow routine banking jointly and severally.

Whichever model you choose, attorneys must act in your best interests, and for a Property and Financial Affairs LPA keep your money separate and maintain records. Be clear and consistent: if you require joint decisions in one part of the form, avoid contradicting this elsewhere (for example, in instructions). Consider naming replacement attorneys so your plan can still operate if someone can no longer act.

Step 7. Decide when your financial LPA can be used

On the Property and Financial Affairs LPA, you choose when it takes effect. Whatever you pick, it cannot be used until it’s registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. After registration, you have two lawful options: allow attorneys to act with your permission while you still have capacity, or restrict use to times when you lack capacity.

• Use as soon as registered (with your permission): Helpful if you want practical help now with banking, bills or property, or to cover travel or a hospital stay. Build safeguards with clear instructions (for example, limits on gifts or property sales) and, if you appointed more than one attorney, require joint decisions for big transactions.

• Only if you lack capacity: Tighter control and peace of mind that attorneys cannot act while you can decide for yourself. The trade‑off is that no one can help with transactions until you’re assessed as lacking capacity, so register early because registration takes weeks.

Whichever route you choose, you keep the right to make your own decisions while you have capacity, and attorneys must support you and act in your best interests.

Step 8. Decide on life-sustaining treatment authority (health and welfare LPA)

When you make a Health and Welfare lasting power of attorney UK, you must choose whether your attorney may consent to or refuse life‑sustaining treatment on your behalf. This LPA only applies if you lack capacity at the time of the decision. If you do not give your attorney this authority, clinicians will decide in your best interests under the Mental Capacity Act, after consulting those close to you, but the final decision rests with the professionals.

• Tick one option on the form: either give your attorney authority for life‑sustaining treatment, or state that doctors should decide.
• Consider your values and wishes: reflect on quality of life, burdens/benefits of intensive treatment, and what “best interests” means for you.
• Check any advance decision (living will): a valid, earlier refusal of specific treatment binds clinicians; attorneys cannot override it unless your LPA was made later and expressly gives them that power.
• Discuss with your GP and family: ensure your attorneys understand your views and any religious, cultural or ethical considerations.
• Keep your choices consistent: align this tick‑box with any preferences/instructions you’ll add next, to avoid contradictions.

Step 9. Set your preferences and legally binding instructions

Your lasting power of attorney lets you add two kinds of guidance. “Preferences” are wishes your attorneys should follow where possible; “instructions” are binding rules they must follow. You can leave this section blank and simply brief your attorneys, but clear, well‑worded entries can avoid doubt later. Keep everything lawful, workable and in your best interests, or the Office of the Public Guardian may question or reject the wording.

• Good preferences (finance): keep me living at home as long as affordable; consult my accountant before major investments; consider my savings safety first.

• Good instructions (finance): my attorneys must not sell my home unless, in my doctor’s opinion, I can no longer live independently; do not make gifts other than modest customary ones I can afford.

• Good preferences (health): I’d like to remain at home with support if safe; follow my dietary/religious practices; involve my close family in decisions.

• Good instructions (health): check any advance decision (living will) before treatment decisions; use my named GP and share relevant information with [named people].

• Keep it legal and consistent:

  • Don’t request anything unlawful (for example, assisted dying) or ask attorneys to change your will.
  • Align with choices elsewhere in your LPA (for example, if some decisions must be joint, don’t instruct one attorney to act alone).
  • Make sure health instructions match your life‑sustaining treatment choice.
  • Use plain, specific wording; avoid absolutes that could block necessary action.

If your affairs or wishes are complex, consider a solicitor to check your wording before you sign.

Step 10. Choose a certificate provider and witnesses

Your certificate provider is the safeguard in a lasting power of attorney UK. They confirm you understand the LPA and are not being pressured. Pick this person early and brief them on your wishes so they can speak with you privately and confidently certify the form.

• Who can be your certificate provider:

  • Aged 18+, and either someone who has known you well for at least 2 years, or a professional such as a GP, solicitor or social worker.
  • They should be able to confirm you understand the LPA, the powers you’re giving, and that you’re acting freely.

• Who cannot be your certificate provider:

  • Any attorney or replacement attorney
  • Your spouse/partner or any family member
  • Anyone related to your attorneys (including by marriage)
  • An employee of you or any attorney
  • Anyone who works at or runs the care home where you live

• Witnesses for signatures:

  • Each signature (yours and each attorney’s) must be witnessed by someone 18+ who is present when the person signs.
  • Your witness cannot be an attorney. An attorney’s witness cannot be you (the donor).
  • The certificate provider may also act as the witness for the donor and for the attorneys, which keeps paperwork simple.
  • Witnesses must add their full name and address when they sign.

Tip: if there’s any chance your capacity could be questioned, choose a professional certificate provider. Also, line up your certificate provider and witnesses for the same session—signatures must happen in a specific order, and everyone needs to be available.

Step 11. Gather the details and documents you’ll need

A little prep avoids the most common LPA rejections for missing information. Before you start the GOV.UK forms, assemble the key details in one place so you can complete everything accurately first time (including middle names and postcodes).

• Your details (donor): full legal name (include middle names), date of birth, home address with postcode, contact phone/email.
• Attorneys and replacements: full legal names, dates of birth, addresses with postcodes, contact details. For finance attorneys, ensure they’re not bankrupt.
• Decision model and timing: how multiple attorneys will act (jointly, jointly and severally, or mixed) and when your financial LPA can be used (on registration with your permission, or only if you lack capacity).
• People to notify (optional): names and postal addresses of anyone you want OPG to notify.
• Certificate provider: full name, address, contact details, and basis (known 2+ years or professional).
• Witnesses: full names and addresses of the people who will witness signatures (18+).
• Preferences and instructions draft: clear, lawful wording you’re happy to include.
• Life‑sustaining treatment choice: your yes/no decision and any existing advance decision/living will to keep consistent.
• Payment method: debit/credit card for online, or cheque/postal order if posting.
• Fee reduction/exemption evidence (if applicable): proof of low income or qualifying benefits.
• Practicals for signing: a suitable time/place and black ink pens for all signatories.

Step 12. Create your LPA on GOV.UK (online) or use paper forms

The simplest way to create a lasting power of attorney UK is via the official GOV.UK online service. You’ll answer guided questions, then print the completed forms for signing. If you prefer, you can use paper forms from GOV.UK or order a pack from the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Whichever route you choose, you must post signed originals to the OPG; LPAs can’t be emailed and won’t be valid until registered.

• Use the online service if you can: It’s step‑by‑step, reduces common errors, and produces neat, printable forms. You can complete one or both LPAs (financial, health) and come back to finish later. If you get stuck, call the OPG on 0300 456 0300.

• Paper forms work too: Download the latest versions from GOV.UK or request an application pack by phone. Follow the notes closely and write clearly. You’ll still sign and post the originals to register.

Before you start, confirm the key choices you’ve made: who your attorneys and replacement attorneys are, how multiple attorneys will decide (jointly, jointly and severally, or mixed), when your financial LPA can be used (on registration with your permission, or only if you lack capacity), your life‑sustaining treatment choice for the health LPA, any preferences and binding instructions, people to notify (optional), and your certificate provider. Enter full legal names (include middle names) and postcodes exactly. Each LPA is a separate document and fee.

Step 13. Review and sign the forms in the correct order

OPG rejections often happen because signatures are in the wrong order, dates don’t line up, or witnesses aren’t valid. Take 10 minutes to check everything, then get everyone together so you can complete the signing in one sitting.

1. Donor signs first (with a witness). You sign and date the LPA before anyone else. Your witness (18+) watches you sign, then adds their signature, full name and address. The witness cannot be an attorney.
2. Certificate provider signs next. They confirm you understand the LPA and are acting freely. This must be after your signature and witness.
3. Each attorney signs (with a witness). Every attorney (and any replacement attorney if required on your form) signs and dates in turn, each with a witness (18+). The donor cannot witness attorneys. Attorneys may witness each other. The certificate provider can act as a witness.
4. Completion pages. Where the form asks who to notify and how you’ll pay, complete and sign as directed (either you or an attorney, not both).

• Use black ink; no correction fluid. If you make a mistake, clearly cross it out and initial the change.
• Match dates correctly. Any continuation sheets you used must be signed on the same date as your main donor signature.
• Use full legal names. Include middle names everywhere.
• Send every page. Post all pages of the LPA, even blanks, with originals of all signatures.

Step 14. Choose people to notify and arrange the application fee

When you register your LPA, you can ask the OPG to notify named people first. It’s optional, but it adds a simple safeguard: those people get a notice and have a set period (around 4 weeks) to raise concerns if, for example, they believe you were pressured or didn’t understand the document.

You also need to sort the application fee for each LPA. In England and Wales it’s £82 per LPA (rising to £92 from 17 November 2025). You may get a 50% reduction if your annual income is under £12,000, or pay nothing if you receive certain income‑related benefits. The donor or an attorney can pay, but evidence is required for reductions/exemptions.

• Pick who to notify (optional): Choose people who’d spot problems and act—close family, a trusted friend or professional. You’ll need full names and postal addresses.
• Decide who pays: Donor or attorney, per LPA (finance and health are separate fees).
• Choose payment method: Card (online) or cheque/postal order (paper).
• Prepare evidence: Low‑income or benefits documents if applying for a fee reduction/exemption.
• Note the timeline: Notices go out on application; objections can delay registration, so plan accordingly.

Step 15. Submit and register your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian

You can’t use a lasting power of attorney until it’s registered. Either you (the donor) or an attorney can apply to register it; if you signed while you had capacity but later lose it, your attorney can still register on your behalf. If you created the forms online, you must print and post the signed originals—LPAs can’t be emailed. Post your application to the Office of the Public Guardian (use the address printed on the form) and allow several weeks for processing.

Before you seal the envelope, check you’ve included everything and that payment and any fee reduction/exemption evidence are in place. The OPG will send notices to any people you asked to be notified and there’s a statutory objection window (around four weeks). The OPG aims to complete registrations in about 8–10 weeks in England and Wales. When registration is complete, the original registered LPA is returned to the applicant and the donor is notified that it’s on the register.

• What to post:
  • The original, fully signed LPA (every page, including any continuation sheets)
  • Payment or completed payment page for the application fee (per LPA)
  • Evidence for any fee reduction or exemption (if applicable)
  • Any optional “people to notify” details already completed on the form

If the OPG spots errors, they may contact you to correct them or return the application; significant mistakes can mean reapplying and paying again, so double‑check before sending.

Step 16. Track progress, respond to notices and correct any errors

After you’ve posted your LPA, the OPG checks it and (if you chose this option) sends notification letters. There is then a statutory notice window of about four weeks for objections. In England and Wales most registrations complete in roughly 8–10 weeks. While you wait, watch your post and email, and reply promptly to anything from the OPG to avoid delays or rejection.

• Track and chase: You can contact the Office of the Public Guardian for updates on 0300 456 0300 or [email protected]. Have the donor’s details and any reference to hand.
• Objections: Anyone you named to be notified can object during the notice period. If an objection is raised, the OPG will explain next steps; some cases may be referred to the Court of Protection.
• Fixing errors: The OPG may ask you to correct mistakes (for example, missing pages, incomplete details, or signatures in the wrong order). Follow their instructions exactly and meet any deadline. Major errors can mean reapplying and paying the fee again.
• Keep everything consistent: Use black ink, include middle names and postcodes, and return every page requested, including continuation sheets, signed and dated as directed.

If you’re unsure how to respond, call the OPG before sending anything so your correction is accepted first time.

Step 17. After registration: store, share and use your LPA (including the digital access code)

Once your LPA is registered, look after the original and plan how you’ll show it to organisations when needed. Start with the practicals: keep the original in a safe place, decide who needs to see it first (usually banks, building societies and pension/benefit providers for a financial LPA; your GP, care provider and local authority for a health and welfare LPA), and keep a simple note of where you’ve shared it.

• Store safely: Keep the original registered LPA secure. Avoid sending it in the post; use certified paper copies or the digital access code instead.
• Use the digital service (England & Wales, LPAs registered 1 Jan 2016+): Donors and attorneys can set up the official “Use a lasting power of attorney” online account to generate a secure access code. Share this code so organisations can instantly view a digital summary and verify the LPA. Some organisations may still ask for paper copies.
• If the code isn’t available or accepted: Provide certified paper copies. Many banks and service providers will accept these; call ahead to confirm what they need.
• Tell the right people:
  • Financial LPA: notify banks, investment platforms, insurers, pension providers, DWP/benefits, and utilities.
  • Health & welfare LPA: give details to your GP, hospital, care home and social care team so it’s noted on your records.
• Keep records: Attorneys should note when and how the LPA is used, and keep financial paperwork separate and clear.

You keep making your own decisions while you have capacity; attorneys should only act within the scope and timing you chose on the form.

Step 18. Understand attorney powers, duties and limits

Becoming an attorney is a position of trust. Whether appointed under a property and financial affairs LPA or a health and welfare LPA, you can only act within the authority the donor has given and in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. You must always presume the donor has capacity unless shown otherwise, support them to make their own decisions, and only step in for decisions they cannot make at that time.

• Core duties:

  • Act in the donor’s best interests: Weigh their wishes, feelings, beliefs and values; consult relevant family/professionals; choose the least restrictive option.
  • Support decisions: Give information in a way the donor can understand and decide when they’re best able to.
  • Keep finances separate (finance LPA): Maintain clear accounts and preserve the donor’s money and property.

• What you can do (within scope):

  • Finance LPA: Run bank accounts, pay bills, manage pensions/benefits, arrange repairs, sell property if allowed, and make proportionate gifts on customary occasions or to charities the donor supports.
  • Health & welfare LPA: Decide daily care, where the donor lives, medical treatment, and—if expressly authorised—life‑sustaining treatment. This LPA only applies when the donor lacks capacity.

• Key limits:

  • You cannot change the donor’s will, make unlawful decisions (e.g., assisted dying), or benefit yourself beyond agreed expenses/fees.
  • Respect any valid advance decision (living will); you cannot override it unless the later LPA expressly allows.
  • Certain decisions remain with professionals or the courts (for example, medication by a responsible clinician if the donor is sectioned, or guardianship‑ordered residence).

If anyone has concerns, the Office of the Public Guardian can investigate and, if necessary, involve the Court of Protection or the police.

Step 19. Make changes or cancel your LPA (revocation and removing attorneys)

Once a lasting power of attorney UK is registered, you usually can’t edit it. If you want different attorneys, decision rules or instructions, the clean solution is to make and register a new LPA. Keep the old one in place until the new LPA is registered to avoid any gap in authority.

• Remove/replace attorneys: You may be able to remove an attorney, but doing so can end the LPA altogether if, for example, attorneys were required to act jointly. Check with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before proceeding. Adding attorneys requires a new LPA.

• Cancel (revoke) your LPA: You can revoke at any time while you have mental capacity. Prepare a deed of revocation, then send it with the original LPA to the OPG. Tell your attorneys and any organisations (banks, GP, care provider) that hold a copy. If you still want cover, register a new LPA first.

• Automatic endings/changes:

  • The LPA ends if the donor or attorney dies.
  • A property and financial affairs attorney’s bankruptcy ends their role.
  • Divorce/civil partnership dissolution between donor and attorney ends that appointment.
  • An attorney losing capacity ends their role.
  • The Court of Protection can cancel an LPA if an attorney isn’t acting in the donor’s best interests (for example, making excessive gifts).

If in doubt, contact the OPG for guidance before you act.

Step 20. If it’s too late for an LPA: deputyship and other alternatives

If it’s too late to make a lasting power of attorney UK because the person has already lost capacity—and there’s no valid pre‑2007 EPA—someone will usually need to apply to the Court of Protection to become a deputy. Deputies are authorised to make decisions (most commonly about property and financial affairs; personal welfare deputies are rarer) and are supervised by the Office of the Public Guardian. The process is slower and more expensive than an LPA: typical fees include a £421 application fee, a £259 court hearing fee if required, a £100 initial supervision fee and ongoing supervision charges of £320 per year (or £35 for minimal supervision). Fee reductions or exemptions may apply. Expect gathering evidence, background checks and a timescale of months; during that period, access to funds can be limited.

• What deputyship involves: Court application, safeguarding checks, annual reporting and strict best‑interests decision‑making.
• Health and welfare without an LPA: Clinicians and social services decide in the person’s best interests under the Mental Capacity Act; the court can rule on contested or complex issues.
• DWP Appointee (benefits only): Lets someone receive and manage state benefits where appropriate.
• Bank access options: Third‑party mandates can help only if the person still has capacity; otherwise banks will require deputyship.
• If an old EPA exists: EPAs made before 1 Oct 2007 remain valid and must be registered when capacity is lost.
• Nation differences: Scotland uses guardianship; Northern Ireland uses “controller” orders—see next section.

Step 21. UK nation differences (England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)

The UK shares the same core principle—planning ahead so trusted people can decide for you—but each nation runs a different legal scheme with its own forms, fees and terminology. Check the rules where you live or where your affairs are based, and register with the correct authority.

England & Wales

You make two LPAs (Property and Financial Affairs; Health and Welfare) and register them with the Office of the Public Guardian. The fee is £82 per LPA (due to rise to £92 on 17 November 2025). Typical registration takes around 8–10 weeks. A secure online “Use a lasting power of attorney” access code is available for LPAs registered on or after 1 January 2016.

Scotland

You grant a Continuing (financial), Welfare (personal), or combined Power of Attorney. Capacity must be certified by a practising Scottish solicitor or a UK medical doctor. Register with the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland). The registration fee is £96. Processing can take longer (often months). There’s no England & Wales digital access code—organisations usually want certified paper copies.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland uses an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) for property and financial affairs (not an LPA). EPAs don’t need registering when made; they must be registered with the Office of Care and Protection if/when the donor loses capacity. The registration fee is £180. No digital code—expect certified paper copies. If capacity is already lost, courts appoint a controller (NI) or, elsewhere, a deputy (E&W) or guardian (Scotland).

Step 22. Plan the rest of your affairs: wills, advance decisions and funeral wishes

With your LPA in place, finish the picture so loved ones aren’t left guessing. A clear will, treatment wishes, and simple funeral preferences remove uncertainty, save money and stress, and help your attorneys and executors pull in the same direction when it matters.

• Make or update your will: Appoint executors, set out who gets what, and name guardians for children. Review after major life events and keep it with your important papers.
• Record treatment wishes:
  • An advance decision (ADRT) is legally binding if valid and applies (for refusing specific treatments). Ensure it’s consistent with your Health & Welfare LPA.
  • An advance statement sets out your values and care preferences (non‑binding but influential).
  • Tell your GP and attorneys; store copies with your LPA.
• Funeral wishes and costs: Note burial or cremation, preferences such as a simple unattended direct cremation, music/readings, and what to do with ashes. Clarify budget/funding (eg, estate funds or a pre‑paid plan). Wishes guide your executors even if not legally binding.
• A practical file: Keep a secure summary of assets, account numbers, insurance/pensions, property details, key contacts, and where documents are stored (avoid writing passwords; use a password manager with legacy access).
• Share and review: Let your executors, attorneys and GP know where documents are. Revisit yearly or after big life changes to keep everything aligned with your LPA.

Final checklist and next steps

You’re nearly there. Use this quick checklist to finish your LPA(s) smoothly and avoid common rejections, then tell the right people so help is ready if it’s ever needed.

• Pick your LPA(s): financial, health – or both.
• Confirm capacity and free will: choose a calm time to sign.
• Choose attorneys and replacements: 18+, trustworthy; no bankruptcy for finance.
• Set decision rules: jointly, jointly and severally, or mixed; decide when the financial LPA can be used.
• Life‑sustaining treatment: tick your choice for the health LPA.
• Write preferences/instructions: clear, lawful, in your best interests.
• Line up a certificate provider and witnesses: valid and available.
• Gather details and fee evidence: full names, postcodes, income/benefits if claiming a reduction.
• Create the forms (GOV.UK or paper): check every page.
• Sign in the correct order, black ink, no Tippex; include all pages.
• Pay and post to the OPG: £82 per LPA in England & Wales (rising to £92 from 17 Nov 2025); track and respond promptly.
• After registration: store safely, use the digital access code, tell banks/GP, review yearly.

Planning your funeral wishes too? If you prefer a simple, low‑cost farewell, note a direct cremation with Go Direct Cremations in your preferences.