Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust — an Attorney — to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to do so yourself or find it difficult to manage your affairs.

There are two main types of LPA
Property & Financial Affairs LPA
Allows your Attorney to manage your money, pay bills, handle property matters, and make investment decisions.
Health & Welfare LPA
Lets your Attorney make decisions about your personal care, medical treatment, and where you live if you are unable to decide yourself.
An LPA must be made while you still have full mental capacity and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to be valid.
Why you should get an LPA
Creating an LPA is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your independence, your wishes, and your loved ones. Here’s why:
1. Stay in Control
You choose who will act on your behalf, rather than leaving it to the courts. Without an LPA, a court-appointed Deputy may make decisions for you — someone you may not have chosen.
2. Protect your wishes
An LPA allows you to provide guidance on how decisions should be made, helping ensure your values and priorities are respected.
3. Save time, money and reduce stress
Without an LPA, your family could face a long and costly court process to gain authority to manage your affairs. An LPA avoids these delays and legal fees.
4. Avoid conflict
Disputes between family members can arise if there’s no clear plan. An LPA provides clarity and peace of mind for everyone involved.
5. Prepare early
Life is unpredictable — illness, accidents, or conditions affecting mental capacity can happen at any age. Having an LPA in place ensures you are prepared for the unexpected.
Key Terms
- Attorney – The person you appoint to make decisions on your behalf under your LPA. You can appoint more than one, and they can act jointly (together) or severally (independently).
- Donor – The person creating the LPA. You must have mental capacity when making an LPA.
- Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) – The government body that registers LPAs in England and Wales. An LPA is not valid until it is registered with the OPG.
- Property & Financial Affairs LPA – A type of LPA allowing your Attorney to manage your money, property, and financial matters.
- Health & Welfare LPA – A type of LPA allowing your Attorney to make decisions about your care, medical treatment, and living arrangements.
- Deputy – Someone appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions for a person who does not have an LPA and lacks mental capacity.
- Replacement Attorney – An alternative person you appoint to act if your primary Attorney cannot or will not act.
