The Complete Guide to Setting Up a Lasting Power of Attorney in the UK
Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future. Whether it’s ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected or giving someone you trust the ability to manage your finances, an LPA provides peace of mind and security. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of creating an LPA in the UK, step by step.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone (your "attorney") to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. There are two types of LPAs:
Health and Welfare LPA: Covers decisions about your medical care, living arrangements, and daily welfare.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA: Covers managing your finances, paying bills, and handling property transactions.
Having an LPA ensures that your wishes are respected and that someone you trust can act on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make decisions.
Why Should You Set Up an LPA?
Life is unpredictable, and without an LPA, your loved ones may face legal challenges when making decisions for you. Here are some key reasons to set up an LPA:
Protect Your Wishes: Ensure your healthcare and financial preferences are followed.
Avoid Family Stress: Prevent disputes and confusion among family members.
Save Time and Money: Without an LPA, your family may need to apply for a court order, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an LPA in the UK
Step 1: Decide Which LPA You Need
You can choose to set up a Health and Welfare LPA, a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, or both. Many people opt for both to cover all aspects of their future planning.
Step 2: Choose Your Attorney(s)
Your attorney(s) should be someone you trust completely, as they’ll have significant decision-making power. This could be a family member, friend, or professional.
Step 3: Complete the LPA Form
This is where Power of Attorney comes in! Our service simplifies the process:
Answer a few quick questions via our online form.
We complete the entire LPA form for you, ensuring accuracy and legal compliance.
Our experts review your form to avoid any errors.
Step 4: Sign and Witness the Form
Once your form is completed, you’ll need to sign it in the presence of witnesses. We provide clear instructions to guide you through this step.
Step 5: Register Your LPA
Your LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions to help you submit your completed form.
How Power of Attorney Can Help
Setting up an LPA doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. At Power of Attorney, we offer a guided online service for just £89 per document. Here’s how we make it easy for you:
Quick Process: Fill in your details in as little as 10 minutes.
Expert Assistance: We handle the entire form completion and review process.
Clear Guidance: Receive simple instructions for signing and submitting your LPA.
Common Questions About Setting Up an LPA
Q: How long does it take to register an LPA?
A: The Office of the Public Guardian typically takes 8–10 weeks to register an LPA, so it’s best to start early.
Q: Can I set up an LPA for someone else?
A: Yes, as long as the person has mental capacity and agrees to appoint you as their attorney.
Q: Is £89 the total cost?
A: Yes, £89 per document covers our expert-guided service. There may be an additional registration fee payable to the OPG.
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney is an essential step in future planning. With Power of Attorney, the process is quick, affordable, and stress-free. Don’t wait for the unexpected—take control of your future today.
