How Lasting Powers of Attorney Work
A comprehensive guide to understanding Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) - what they are, why you need one, and how to create yours today.
Create Your LPA - £90.00What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make them yourself.
Health & Welfare LPA
Covers decisions about your medical care, daily routine, and personal welfare. This includes where you live, medical treatments, and day-to-day care decisions.
- Medical treatment decisions
- Where and how you live
- Daily care and support
- Life-sustaining treatment choices
Property & Financial LPA
Covers decisions about your money, property, and financial affairs. This includes paying bills, managing investments, and selling property.
- Managing bank accounts
- Paying bills and taxes
- Buying and selling property
- Investment decisions
When Might You Need an LPA?
An LPA can only be used when you lack mental capacity to make specific decisions. Here are common scenarios:
Dementia
Progressive conditions affecting memory and decision-making
Stroke
Brain injury that may temporarily or permanently affect capacity
Serious Accident
Unexpected events leading to unconsciousness or injury
Mental Health
Severe mental health conditions affecting decision-making
Age-Related
Natural aging processes affecting cognitive abilities
Other Conditions
Various medical conditions that may impact mental capacity
How the LPA Process Works
1. Create Your LPA
Complete our simple form to create your LPA document. Choose your attorneys and set preferences.
2. Get Signatures
You, your attorneys, and certificate provider sign the document.
3. Register with OPG
The Office of the Public Guardian registers your LPA, making it legally valid.
4. Ready When Needed
Your registered LPA is ready to use, giving you and your family peace of mind.
Total Average Timeline (End-to-End)
| Stage | Avg Duration |
|---|---|
| Decision & prep | 1–2 weeks |
| Completion & signing | 2–4 weeks |
| OPG registration | 8–12 weeks |
| Total Typical Time | 10–16 weeks (2.5–4 months) |
Fastest Possible Scenario
- Forms completed immediately
- All parties local
- No errors
- OPG processing normal
👍 ~9–10 weeks total
Slowest Common Scenario
- Delays in signing
- Errors requiring resubmission
- Peak OPG backlog
👍 4–6 months total
Why Create an LPA?
Without an LPA
- Family may need to apply to court for deputyship
- Expensive legal processes (£300+ court fees)
- Lengthy delays when urgent decisions are needed
- Court decides who makes decisions for you
With an LPA
- You choose who makes decisions
- Quick decisions when needed
- Cost-effective (one-time fee)
- Peace of mind for you and family
Protect Your Future Today
Don't wait until it's too late. Create your Lasting Power of Attorney now and give yourself and your family peace of mind.