AT A GLANCE
What is a lasting power of attorney?
In England and Wales, an LPA lets you appoint trusted people to make specified decisions during your lifetime. Property and financial affairs, and health and welfare, use separate documents. An LPA must be made with the required capacity and registered before use.
A lasting power of attorney, or LPA, lets you appoint someone to help make decisions or act on your behalf. In England and Wales, separate LPAs cover property and financial affairs, and health and welfare. Making these arrangements while you have capacity gives you a say in who may act.
What this can help you explore
- Choose attorneys and consider replacements.
- Think through financial, health and care preferences.
- Understand the signing and registration process.
Things to consider
You must have the required mental capacity when making an LPA, and it must be registered before use.
This information concerns England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have different arrangements.
Your questions, answered.
Being married or in a civil partnership does not automatically give someone authority to manage all your finances or make health decisions on your behalf.
A registered financial LPA can be used with your permission while you have capacity. A health and welfare LPA applies only when you cannot make the relevant decision.
Who provides this service?
Estate-planning services are outside FCA regulation. The legal provider, supported jurisdiction and terms must be confirmed before work begins.
Regulatory information