Money & rights · England
Choose someone to help with future decisions
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A lasting power of attorney is a legal document.
It is often called an LPA.
It is your choice
You must understand the decision to make an LPA.
Nobody should pressure you to sign.
Ask for clear explanations
You can have help to understand the choices.
Take the time you need.
Money and property
One type of LPA is about money and property.
You choose when it can be used within the legal rules.
Health and care
Another type is about health and welfare.
It can only be used when you cannot make the particular decision.
Choose people carefully
The people you choose are called attorneys.
Ask whether they are willing and able to help.
Explain what matters
Think about your wishes and any limits.
Ask for advice if the wording is complicated.
Complete and register it
The forms need the correct signatures.
The LPA must be registered before it can be used.
Review your choice
Your wishes or relationships may change.
Ask how to change or end the arrangement.
If you are worried
You can speak to someone independent.
You can report concerns about an attorney.
What you can do next
You can use the worksheet to prepare.
Ask someone you choose to help if you want.
Read the official LPA guide Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- GOV.UK: lasting powers of attorney Web page
Official guidance, forms and current fees.
- GOV.UK: choose an attorney Web page
Think about who can act and how they would work together.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Choosing someone through a lasting power of attorney — Easy Read
Understand the two types of LPA, choosing attorneys, safeguards and changing arrangements.
England · Money, rights and support
Start with your wishes
An LPA lets an adult appoint one or more people for specified decisions. You must have capacity to make the LPA. A learning disability does not automatically prevent this: provide accessible information and support before assessing that particular decision. Do not confuse difficulty signing or reading with inability to decide. Nobody can create an LPA for you after you have lost capacity to make it.
Choose the right type
There are separate LPAs for property and financial affairs and for health and welfare. You may choose one or both. A registered financial LPA can be used with your permission while you can still decide, if its terms allow. A welfare LPA operates only when you cannot make the particular decision. Decisions about life-sustaining treatment need the specific choice on the welfare form.
Consider alternatives
You may only need someone to read letters with you, support communication or assist with particular banking tasks. An ordinary bank mandate is different from an LPA. DWP appointeeship concerns benefits; deputyship is a court appointment for particular decisions. A will takes effect after death. Choose an arrangement proportionate to the help needed rather than assuming every supporter needs broad powers.
Choose attorneys and replacements
Discuss trust, willingness, skills, time and any conflicts. Attorneys must be eligible adults; financial LPAs have additional restrictions involving bankruptcy and debt relief orders. You can appoint more than one person and decide whether they must act together or can act separately. Consider replacement attorneys. Ask how the arrangement would work if someone cannot continue.
Record wishes and limits
Discuss important preferences and instructions, including how you want to be involved and who should be consulted. Unclear or incompatible restrictions can cause problems. Use the official guidance and obtain legal advice for complicated instructions, assets or family disagreements. Professional services may charge: ask for the scope and price first.
Complete the forms properly
The official route offers online preparation or paper forms. Follow the current signing and witnessing instructions in order. A certificate provider confirms the relevant understanding and freedom from pressure; not everyone is eligible for this role. Ask for support with access barriers. Do not sign a blank form or rely on a copied signature.
Register before use
Apply to the Office of the Public Guardian, notify any named people as required and check the current registration fee or fee-help rules. Registration can take time, especially if there are mistakes. Keep the registered document safely and explain how the attorney can access it when needed. Registration does not establish that you have lost capacity.
Change or end an arrangement
If you have capacity to make the decision, you can end an LPA using the required revocation process. Removing an attorney or making a replacement arrangement may need advice. Tell the OPG and relevant organisations as required; simply telling a relative is not enough. If you are worried about misuse or pressure, use the linked money-control and safeguarding guides.
Words you could use
“Please explain the LPA choices in a way I understand. I want to decide who may help, what they may do and how my wishes will be respected.”
More useful links
- GOV.UK: lasting powers of attorney Web page
Official guidance, forms and current fees.
- GOV.UK: choose an attorney Web page
Think about who can act and how they would work together.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 7 November 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- GOV.UK: LPA overview Web page
Types, eligibility and use.
- GOV.UK: choosing attorneys Web page
Eligibility, joint arrangements and replacements.
- GOV.UK: making an LPA Web page
Forms, signatures and certificate provider.
- GOV.UK: registration Web page
Notification, registration and documents.
- GOV.UK: ending an LPA Web page
Revocation and other ways an LPA can end.
- Mental Capacity Act 2005, section 1 Web page
Presumption of capacity and support with decisions.
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