A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more persons (known as ‘Attorneys’) to help you make decisions or make decisions on your behalf.

This gives you more control over what happens to you if, for example, you have an accident or an illness and can’t make decisions at the time they need to be made (you ‘lack mental capacity’).

You must be 18 or over and have mental capacity – the ability to make your own decisions – when you make your LPA.

Health and Welfare lasting power of attorney
Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about things like:

your daily routine (eg washing, dressing, eating)
medical care
moving into a care home
life-sustaining treatment
It can only be used when you’re unable to make your own decisions.

Property and Financial Affairs lasting power of attorney
Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you, for example:

managing a bank or building society account
paying bills
collecting benefits or a pension
selling your home
It can be used as soon as it’s registered, with your permission.

You can choose to make one type or both, but you cannot combine the two in one document.

The registration fee at the Office of the Public Guardian is £110 (unless you qualify for a reduction or exemption)