Legal & safeguarding
Lasting Power of Attorney
How to give a trusted person legal authority to make decisions if someone loses capacity.
5 min read
Two separate types
There is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for health and welfare and one for property and financial affairs. Many families need both. An LPA must be made while the person still has mental capacity.
Register it early
An LPA has to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used, which takes time. Arranging it early avoids emergency applications later.
If capacity has already been lost
Where no LPA exists, an application to the Court of Protection to become a deputy may be necessary. This takes longer, so seek advice quickly.
Official sources
Guidance only — it isn't financial or legal advice, and rules and figures change. Always check the official source or speak to an adviser.