How to Apply for a Lasting Power of Attorney (2026 Steps)

Step 1 — Decide the two big questions

Who are your attorneys? You need at least one; most people appoint two (for example partner plus adult child) and decide whether they act "jointly" (must agree everything) or "jointly and severally" (can act independently — usually more practical). Consider a replacement attorney in case one dies or cannot act.

Which type(s)? Property & Financial Affairs, Health & Welfare, or both. Both is the usual answer — they are separate forms and separate £92 fees.

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Step 2 — Complete the forms

The official route is the gov.uk "Make a lasting power of attorney" online service, which builds the document from your answers. You will also need a certificate provider — an independent adult (someone who has known you personally for 2+ years, or a professional such as a GP or solicitor) who confirms you understand the document and are not under pressure. They cannot be an attorney, a relative of one, or certain other connected people.

Step 3 — Sign in the right order

This is where applications fail. The strict order is: the donor signs first (witnessed), then the certificate provider, then every attorney (witnessed). Attorneys cannot witness the donor’s signature. Getting the order wrong means the OPG rejects the application and you start again.

Step 4 — Register with the OPG and wait

Send the completed LPA with the £92 fee (per document). The OPG runs a mandatory 4-week objection window, then registers. Current end-to-end times: roughly 8–12 weeks online, 14–25 weeks on paper. The LPA cannot be used until registration completes — another reason to do it early rather than in a crisis.

While the LPA is with the OPG, it is a good moment to get your will done too — it is the quicker half: £69 online, delivered within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The gov.uk "Make a lasting power of attorney" service lets you complete the forms online, then print for signing and send to the OPG for registration. Online-started applications currently register in roughly 8–12 weeks.

An independent adult who has known the donor personally for at least two years, or a professional with relevant skills (GP, solicitor, social worker). Attorneys, their relatives and certain connected people are excluded.

Donor first (witnessed), then the certificate provider, then all attorneys (witnessed). Wrong order is the most common reason the OPG rejects applications.

Roughly 8–12 weeks for online applications and 14–25 weeks for paper ones, including the mandatory 4-week objection period.

No. An LPA has no legal force until the OPG has registered it, and a Health & Welfare LPA additionally requires the donor to have lost capacity.