A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you choose people you trust - your attorneys - to make decisions for you if you become unable to make them yourself.
The two types
Health and welfare
Decisions about your care, medical treatment, and where you live
Property and financial affairs
Decisions about your money, bills, bank accounts and property
You can make one or both.
When an LPA ends
A lasting power of attorney stops working when the person dies
From that point, the attorney can no longer make decisions or use the person's bank accounts. Responsibility for the person's affairs passes to the executor named in their will - or, if there's no will, to the person who applies to deal with the estate.
If you were someone's attorney and they've died, let their bank and any other organisations know, and pass everything on to the executor. See our guide to probate.
Making an LPA
You must be 18 or over, and you must have mental capacity - the ability to make your own decisions - when you make it. Each person makes their own; you can't make a joint LPA with your partner.
You can make an LPA online or using paper forms. It has no legal effect until it's registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.
Cost and timing
Registration fee
£92 per LPA in England and Wales. You may pay less, or nothing, if you're on a low income or certain benefits.
Timing
Registration takes around 8 to 10 weeks if there are no mistakes in the application.
If someone has already lost capacity
It's too late for them to make an LPA. Instead, you can apply to the Court of Protection to become their deputy.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
The system is different in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the official guidance for each.
Official guidance: gov.uk/power-of-attorney
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026. Checked against GOV.UK.
Common questions
What is a lasting power of attorney?
A legal document that lets you choose people you trust to make decisions for you if you can no longer make them yourself.
What are the two types of LPA?
Health and welfare, and property and financial affairs. You can make one or both.
Does an LPA still work after the person dies?
No. It stops when the person dies. Responsibility then passes to the executor, or to whoever applies to deal with the estate.
How much does an LPA cost?
£92 per LPA to register in England and Wales, or less if you're on a low income or certain benefits.
How long does registration take?
Around 8 to 10 weeks, if there are no mistakes in the application.
What if someone has already lost capacity?
It's too late for them to make an LPA. You can apply to the Court of Protection to become their deputy.