Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors London
Our power of attorney solicitors draft, check and register lasting powers of attorney so your document is accepted by the Office of the Public Guardian first time.
What is a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document, made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, that lets you (the “donor”) choose one or more people you trust (your “attorneys”) to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity.
Your attorney is usually a family member or close friend, not a lawyer. Our role as lasting power of attorney solicitors is to prepare the document correctly, advise you on who to appoint and what limits to set, and register it with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
You must have mental capacity when you make an LPA. Once capacity is lost it is too late, and your family would have to apply to the Court of Protection instead.
Types of power of attorney in England and Wales
| Type | What it covers | When it can be used |
|---|---|---|
| Property and financial affairs LPA | Bank accounts, bills, benefits, pensions, buying or selling property | Once registered, with your permission, even while you still have capacity |
| Health and welfare LPA | Medical treatment, care, where you live, daily routine and, if you choose, life-sustaining treatment | Only once registered and you lack capacity to make the decision |
| Enduring power of attorney (EPA) | Property and finances only | Only if signed before 1 October 2007; must be registered when the donor is losing capacity |
| Ordinary (general) power of attorney | Specific financial matters for a set period, e.g. while you are abroad | Ends automatically if you lose capacity |
Most people make both types of LPA. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different documents, so tell us if you live or own property there. Official overview: GOV.UK – Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney.
Why use a power of attorney solicitor?
You can make an LPA yourself using the GOV.UK online service, but a solicitor reduces the risk of rejection, family disputes and financial abuse. We add value where:
- the forms must be signed in a strict order, and a mistake can make the LPA unusable;
- you want restrictions or instructions, for example attorneys must act together to sell your home;
- you are deciding whether attorneys act jointly, jointly and severally, or a mix;
- there are concerns about capacity, family conflict or pressure on the donor;
- you own a business, overseas property or complex assets;
- you need a certified copy – as solicitors we can certify copies of your registered LPA through our Commissioner for Oaths services in London.
Adam Bernard Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, has served more than 15,000 clients over 15 years, and has offices in High Holborn (Central London) and Upton Park (East London), with video consultations by Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp or Skype.
How much does a lasting power of attorney cost?
The OPG registration fee is £92 per LPA (£184 for both types) for applications received from 17 November 2025 (Ministry of Justice). You may pay half the fee (remission) or nothing (exemption) depending on your income and benefits – for example, a donor on Universal Credit qualifies for a 50% reduction only if their gross annual income is under £12,000.
Our fees: our solicitor fees for drafting and registering an LPA typically range from £400 to £1,000 depending on complexity. We give you a fixed written quote before any work starts. See also our wills and probate fees.
How to make and register an LPA: step by step
- Choose your attorneys and replacement attorneys – anyone aged 18 or over; a bankrupt person cannot act on a property and financial affairs LPA.
- Decide how they will act – jointly, jointly and severally, or jointly for some decisions only.
- Choose a certificate provider – an independent person who confirms you understand the LPA and are not under pressure.
- Name “people to notify” (optional) – they receive form LP3 and have 3 weeks to raise concerns.
- Sign in the correct order – you, then the certificate provider, then your attorneys, each witnessed.
- Register with the Office of the Public Guardian – GOV.UK says registration takes 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes (GOV.UK – Register an LPA).
An LPA cannot be used until it is registered, so we recommend registering straight away rather than waiting until it is needed.
Enduring power of attorney solicitors
An enduring power of attorney signed before 1 October 2007 is still valid, but it only covers property and financial affairs and must be registered with the OPG when the donor is becoming mentally incapable.
We register EPAs, advise attorneys on their legal duties, and help families decide whether the donor should make a new health and welfare LPA while they still can. Guidance: GOV.UK – Enduring power of attorney duties.
An attorney's duties and what happens without an LPA
An attorney must follow the Mental Capacity Act principles: assume the donor has capacity unless shown otherwise, help them make their own decisions, and always act in their best interests. In practice that means keeping the donor’s money separate from your own, keeping records, following any instructions in the LPA, consulting the donor and their family where appropriate, and not making gifts beyond small, customary ones without Court of Protection approval.
Banks, the NHS and councils can check a registered LPA online through the Use a lasting power of attorney service.
What happens if there is no LPA?
If someone loses capacity without an LPA, their family cannot simply take over – they must apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as a deputy. Deputyship is usually slower and more expensive than an LPA, involves court fees and ongoing OPG supervision, and the court – not the person – decides who acts (GOV.UK – Become a deputy).
Changing or ending a lasting power of attorney
While you have capacity, you can end a registered LPA by making a deed of revocation and sending it to the OPG (GOV.UK – End your LPA). A registered LPA cannot be edited, so changing your attorneys or instructions normally means making a new one. We prepare deeds of revocation and replacement LPAs.
Online LPAs: the Powers of Attorney Act 2023
The Powers of Attorney Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 18 September 2023 and enables the LPA process to move from paper to a fully online service, with identity checks to reduce fraud. Its provisions are being brought into force in stages, so we check the current OPG process each time we prepare an LPA.
We act for clients across Central and East London from our High Holborn and Upton Park offices. Call 0207 100 2525 or book a video consultation.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Lasting Power of Attorney FAQs
How much does a lasting power of attorney cost in 2026?
The Office of the Public Guardian fee is £92 per LPA (£184 for both types), with reductions for people on low incomes or certain benefits. Solicitor fees are extra; we provide a fixed written quote upfront.
How long does it take to register an LPA?
GOV.UK states 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes, after the 3-week notice period for people to notify. If there is an error, the form is returned and this adds weeks.
Do I need a solicitor to make a lasting power of attorney?
No, but a solicitor helps you avoid signing errors, add tailored instructions and protect against challenges, especially in complex family or financial situations.
Can I get power of attorney for a parent with dementia?
Only if your parent still has the mental capacity to understand and sign the LPA. If they no longer do, you will need to apply to the Court of Protection for deputyship.
What is the difference between an LPA and an enduring power of attorney?
EPAs were replaced by LPAs on 1 October 2007. Existing EPAs still work but only cover property and finances; LPAs can also cover health and welfare.
When does a lasting power of attorney take effect?
Only after the OPG registers it. A property and financial affairs LPA can then be used straight away with your consent; a health and welfare LPA only when you lack capacity.
What is the lasting power of attorney contact number?
For registration queries, contact the Office of the Public Guardian via its GOV.UK contact page. For legal advice on making or registering an LPA in London, call Adam Bernard Solicitors on 0207 100 2525.
Can my attorney be a family member?
Yes. Most people appoint a spouse, partner, adult child or close friend. They must be 18 or over, and a bankrupt person cannot act on a property and financial affairs LPA.
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