A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one for property and finances, one for health and welfare.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
An LPA is a legal document that names one or more people (your "attorneys") to make decisions for you if you lose the mental capacity to do so yourself — through illness, accident, or conditions like dementia or stroke.
It's the modern replacement for the old Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) and is governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Without one, your family has no automatic right to manage your affairs — see LPA vs Deputyship for what that costs.
The Two Types of LPA
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA — covers bank accounts, paying bills, managing investments, dealing with HMRC, and selling or maintaining property. Can be used either while you still have capacity (with permission) or only after you lose it. Essential for homeowners with a mortgage.
- Health and Welfare LPA — covers medical treatment, where you live, day-to-day care and life-sustaining treatment decisions. Only kicks in after you've lost capacity.
Most people set up both. They're separate documents with separate £82 fees but they're typically arranged together.
Why Homeowners Especially Need an LPA
If you have a mortgage, an unpaid month doesn't pause itself. If you become incapacitated and no-one is legally allowed to operate your accounts:
- Direct debits for the mortgage, council tax and utilities can fail
- Any income protection claims can stall — payouts need a payee
- The property can't be sold, remortgaged or even rented out
- Your family must apply to the Court of Protection — slow and expensive
An LPA prevents all of this for the price of a tank of petrol per document.
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How To Set One Up
- Choose your attorney(s) — anyone over 18 you trust. You can appoint multiple, acting jointly, severally, or a mix.
- Choose a certificate provider — an independent person (often a solicitor or doctor) confirming you understand the document and aren't being pressured.
- Complete the LPA forms — directly via gov.uk or through a solicitor.
- Register with the OPG — £82 per LPA. Processing currently takes around 20 weeks.
DIY costs around £82–£164 total. Solicitor-drafted typically £300–£600 per LPA — worth it for blended families, business owners or anyone with complex affairs.
Where To Go Next
An LPA is one piece of a complete plan. Pair it with:
- A will — so your home and assets pass to the right people
- Critical illness cover — pays a lump sum on diagnosis
- Income protection — covers the mortgage if you can't work
Through our partnership with Castle Family Legal, we can introduce you to a regulated specialist for LPAs, wills and trusts. Get in touch and we'll arrange it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between an LPA and an EPA?
- EPAs were replaced by LPAs in 2007. Existing EPAs are still valid; new ones can't be created. LPAs offer broader protection and cover health decisions too.
- Can I cancel an LPA later?
- Yes — provided you still have mental capacity. You can revoke an LPA in writing at any time.
- Can my attorney act alone?
- It depends how you set it up. You can specify joint (all attorneys must agree), several (any can act alone), or a mixture for different decisions.
- Does an LPA cover Scotland?
- No — Scotland uses 'Continuing' and 'Welfare' Powers of Attorney through the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland). The principles are similar but the forms and rules differ.
- How long does registration take?
- Around 20 weeks at the OPG in 2026. Don't leave it until you need it — by then it's usually too late.
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