Key facts (2026): A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. Registration costs £82 per LPA (there are two types — property & financial affairs, and health & welfare). You must have mental capacity when you set it up — you cannot create an LPA after losing capacity.
Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents you can create — yet it is consistently overlooked until it is too late. If you lose mental capacity without an LPA in place, your family cannot access your bank accounts, manage your property, or make healthcare decisions on your behalf without going to court — a costly and time-consuming process.
Two Types of LPA
Property and Financial Affairs LPA: covers bank accounts, investments, property, bills, and financial decisions. Can be used while you still have capacity (with your permission) or only when capacity is lost — you specify this when creating it. Health and Welfare LPA: covers medical treatment decisions, care arrangements, and day-to-day welfare. Can only be used once you have lost mental capacity — it cannot be used while you are still capable of making your own decisions. Most advisers recommend creating both.
How to Create an LPA
Option 1 — Online via gov.uk: create your LPA online at register-power-of-attorney.service.gov.uk. The form guides you through appointing attorneys, setting any restrictions, and adding certificate providers (who confirm you understand what you are signing). Registration fee: £82 per LPA. Option 2 — Solicitor: costs £300–£700 per LPA but provides professional guidance, particularly useful for complex situations or where there is any risk of family disputes. Option 3 — Will-writing service: typically £200–£400 per LPA — a middle ground.
Why Act Now — Not Later
You must have mental capacity to create a valid LPA — it cannot be set up after a diagnosis of dementia, a stroke, or any other condition affecting mental capacity. If you lose capacity without an LPA, your family must apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order — a process that costs £3,000–£5,000+ and takes 6–12 months, during which your finances may be frozen. An LPA set up today for £164 (two LPAs at £82 each) prevents this entirely.
Our Verdict
Creating LPAs is one of the most cost-effective legal actions available. At £82 per LPA via gov.uk (£164 for both), the protection provided against the alternative — Court of Protection deputyship at £3,000–£5,000+ — is exceptional value. Do not wait until ill health prompts the conversation. Set up both LPAs now while you have capacity, store them safely, and tell your attorneys where they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney UK?
A legal document appointing someone to manage your financial affairs and/or health and welfare decisions if you lose mental capacity.
How much does an LPA cost UK 2026?
£82 to register each LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian. Two LPAs (property + health) cost £164 in registration fees. Solicitor fees are additional if using professional help.
Can I set up an LPA myself UK?
Yes — the online service at gov.uk guides you through the process. Registration fee is the same whether you use a solicitor or do it yourself.
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Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Verify with official sources before making decisions.
Last updated: April 2026 · Author: Chandraketu Tripathi
