Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) 2026

In short

An LPA is a legal document that appoints attorneys to make decisions for you. There are two types: property and financial affairs, and health and welfare. Each must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, which charges £92 per LPA. Without one, your family may need to apply to the Court of Protection.

The two types of LPA

Property and financial affairsLets attorneys manage your bank accounts, pay bills, collect pensions and benefits, and sell your home if needed. It can be used with your permission while you still have capacity.

Health and welfareLets attorneys make decisions about your daily routine, medical treatment and where you live. It can only be used once you lack capacity to make the decision yourself.

Most people make both. They are separate documents, each registered separately.

Why an LPA matters

Being married or a next of kin does not give anyone legal authority over your finances or your health decisions. If you lose capacity without an LPA, your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order. That takes months, costs considerably more and involves ongoing supervision.

Choosing your attorneys

Attorneys must be 18 or over and have mental capacity. A property and financial affairs attorney must not be bankrupt.
You can appoint one attorney or several, and replacement attorneys in case one cannot act.
With several attorneys you decide whether they act jointly, jointly and severally, or jointly for some decisions.
You can add preferences and instructions to guide them.

The certificate provider

Each LPA needs a certificate provider, an independent person who confirms you understand the LPA and are not being pressured. It must be someone you have known well for at least two years, or a professional such as a solicitor or GP.

Registration and fees

An LPA cannot be used until it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The OPG fee is £92 per LPA, so £184 for both types. You may pay a reduced fee or nothing if you have a low income or receive certain benefits. Registration can take several weeks, so it is best done well before it is needed. The OPG is moving towards a fully online LPA service under the Powers of Attorney Act 2023, and paper forms are still accepted.

Typical costs in 2026

LPA costs, per LPA
Route	Professional fee	OPG fee
Do it yourself online	£0	£92
Professional LPA service	£150 to £400	£92
Solicitor	£300 to £600	£92

Many firms offer a discount if you make your LPAs alongside your Will.

FAQs

Common questions

How much does it cost to register an LPA?

The Office of the Public Guardian charges £92 per LPA, so £184 for both types. Reduced fees and exemptions are available for people on low incomes or certain benefits.

How long does LPA registration take?

It usually takes several weeks after the OPG receives a correctly completed application. Errors can cause delays, which is one reason people use a professional service.

Can I make an LPA if I have dementia?

Possibly, if you still have the mental capacity to understand what the LPA is and what it does. The certificate provider must be satisfied you understand. Once capacity is lost, it is too late.

Do I need both types of LPA?

Most people make both, because they cover different decisions. A property and financial affairs LPA does not let attorneys make health decisions, and the reverse is also true.

Does my spouse automatically have power of attorney?

No. Marriage does not give legal authority over your finances or health decisions. Without an LPA, your spouse may need to apply to the Court of Protection.

Plan ahead with an LPA

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