Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Forms in the UK – A Complete Online Guide

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows someone (the “donor”) to appoint one or more people (the “attorneys”) to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity or no longer wish to make decisions themselves.

There are two types of LPA in England and Wales:

Health and Welfare LPA – covers decisions about daily care, medical treatment, and living arrangements.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA – covers decisions about money, bills, property, and bank accounts.

You can choose to make one or both types, depending on your needs.

Why Complete Your LPA Online?

The UK government’s Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) offers a secure online service to help you create an LPA more efficiently. Completing the LPA online is:

Faster – Save progress and revisit as needed.
Guided – Clear step-by-step instructions and validation.
Cost-effective – Fewer errors reduce the chance of rejection or re-submission.
Accessible – Available 24/7 for convenience.

Steps to Complete an LPA Form Online

1. Visit the Government Website

To begin, go to the official UK government portal:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney

Choose whether you want a Health and Welfare LPA, a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, or both.

2. Create an Account

Set up a free account on the OPG’s service so you can save and return to your LPA at any time during the process.

3. Enter Your Details

You’ll be asked to provide:

Donor’s information (you or the person setting up the LPA)
Attorneys’ details – those being granted decision-making authority
Replacement attorneys (optional) – who step in if original attorneys can’t act
Preferences and instructions – to guide attorneys on how to act
People to notify (optional) – individuals who should be informed when you register the LPA

4. Signatures and Certification

Once you’ve completed the form online:

Print the LPA forms.
The donor signs first, then:
- A certificate provider (an independent person who confirms the donor understands the LPA and is not under pressure) signs.
- All attorneys and replacement attorneys must also sign.

These signatures must be done in a specific order and witnessed correctly to avoid rejection.

5. Register the LPA

After signatures:

Send the completed LPA to the Office of the Public Guardian for registration.
Include the registration fee (usually £82 per LPA).
The process typically takes up to 20 weeks, assuming no issues or objections.

If you qualify for a fee exemption or reduction (based on income or benefits), you must include the relevant evidence with your application.

Tips for a Smooth Online LPA Process

Read carefully – Ensure you understand each section before filling it out.
Use clear preferences – Provide specific instructions to your attorneys.
Witness correctly – Mistakes in witnessing are common rejection reasons.
Keep a copy – Always retain a signed copy of your LPA for records.

Need More Help?

If you’re unsure about the process or need additional support, the following resources may help:

The OPG’s helpline: 0300 456 0300
Step-by-step guide PDF available on GOV.UK
Legal advice or assistance from a solicitor or advocacy service

Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney is an important step in safeguarding your future. Completing the form online makes the process accessible, guided, and efficient — helping ensure your wishes are respected, even if you’re no longer able to express them yourself.

LPA Forms