LPA vs Deputyship — Side by Side
| Lasting Power of Attorney | Court of Protection Deputyship | |
|---|---|---|
| When set up | In advance, while you have capacity | After capacity is lost |
| Who decides? | You — choose your attorneys | The court — appoints a deputy |
| Cost | £89 prep + £82 OPG fee | £1,000–£3,000+ in legal/court fees |
| Annual cost | None | £320+ supervision fee per year |
| Time to activate | Immediate once registered | 6–9 months minimum |
| Ongoing supervision | Minimal | Annual reports to the OPG required |
| Covers healthcare? | Yes (Health & Welfare LPA) | Property only (usually) |
💡 A Deputyship cannot cover health and welfare decisions in most cases. Without a Health & Welfare LPA, medical decisions may be made by clinicians and the state — not your family.
What Happens Without an LPA
If you lose mental capacity without an LPA in place, your family has no automatic legal authority to manage your finances or make decisions on your behalf — even if they are your spouse or adult child. They must apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order.
During the 6–9 month application period, bills may go unpaid, investments cannot be managed, and property cannot be sold. The process is expensive, stressful, and entirely avoidable.
Why LPAs Are Better
- You choose who acts for you — not a court
- 10x cheaper than Deputyship
- No ongoing court supervision
- Covers healthcare as well as financial decisions
- Activates immediately when needed — no 6-month wait
Arrange Your LPA Now — Before You Need It
LPA from £89. Takes 20 minutes. Protects your family from a 6-month, £2,000 court process.
Arrange My LPA →