Choose someone you trust to make decisions for you in the future
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf.
This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions (you ‘lack mental capacity’).
Make or register a lasting power of attorney
You can make, register or end an LPA online.
- How to make an LPA
- Starting an application online
- Choosing an attorney
- Certifying a copy
- Changing an LPA
How to set up an LPA
1
Talk to someone
Speak to the people you’d like to appoint.2
Choose your LPA
Financial or health and welfare.3
Fill in forms
Complete official forms.4
Sign and certify
Signed with witnesses.5
Register your LPA
Send forms and pay fee.Who can be an attorney?
You can choose anyone you trust – for example, a family member or friend.
You can appoint one or more attorneys and decide how they must make the decisions (together or separately).
Key things to know
Mental capacity required
Legal document rules apply
Attorneys act in your best interest
You can change or cancel
Review it regularly