How to Set Up a Power of Attorney

Last updated: 31 May 2026Checked against primary legislation on legislation.gov.uk

You can make and register a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in England and Wales yourself, online through the Office of the Public Guardian, or on paper, without paying a solicitor. The process is straightforward if you take it step by step. Here's exactly what to do, who needs to be involved, and how long it takes.

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Before you start

You can only make an LPA while you have mental capacity. You'll also need to decide a few things in advance:

Who your attorneys will be

One or more people you trust completely. If you appoint more than one, decide whether they must act 'jointly' (always together) or 'jointly and severally' (together or independently, usually more practical).

Whether to name replacements

Replacement attorneys step in if your original attorney dies or can no longer act. Naming them avoids your LPA failing later.

Which type(s) you need

A health and welfare LPA, a property and financial affairs LPA, or both. Most people who want full protection make both.

Any instructions or preferences

For example, requiring your finance attorney to share accounts with a relative, or your welfare attorney to follow particular wishes about care.

Making the LPA, online or on paper

There are two routes in England and Wales:

Online

The Office of the Public Guardian runs a 'make a lasting power of attorney' service at lastingpowerofattorney.service.gov.uk. You build the LPA on screen, which catches common errors. The government is rolling out further digital reforms under the Powers of Attorney Act 2023, including identity verification.

On paper

You can still use paper forms, LP1H for health and welfare, LP1F for property and financial affairs. An enhanced paper process is kept available for anyone who can't use the internet.

Making the LPA is free, you only pay when you register it. Take your time and double-check names, dates and signatures, as errors are the main cause of registration delays.

The certificate provider

Every LPA needs a certificate provider, an independent person who signs to confirm that you understand what you're doing and that nobody is pressuring or defrauding you. They must be either:

Someone who has known you well for at least 2 years

A friend or someone who knows you personally, but not a family member, attorney, or their relatives.

A relevant professional

For example a GP, solicitor or someone with relevant professional skills to judge your understanding and that you're acting freely.

Signing and registering

The LPA must be signed by everyone in the correct order, the donor, then the certificate provider, then the attorneys, with witnesses where the form requires. Once signed, it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used.

Send it to the OPG with the fee

The registration fee is £92 per LPA (so £184 for both types). You may get a reduction or exemption on a low income or certain benefits, see our LPA cost guide.

Wait around 8 to 10 weeks

If there are no mistakes, registration takes roughly 8 to 10 weeks. There's a statutory waiting period during which people named can object.

Don't wait until the LPA is needed. Registering as soon as it's signed means it's ready the moment a crisis hits.

If you're in Scotland or Northern Ireland the process and forms are different, Scotland uses Continuing and Welfare Powers of Attorney (OPG Scotland), and Northern Ireland uses an Enduring Power of Attorney (Office of Care and Protection). See the main power of attorney guide.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I set up a power of attorney without a solicitor?

Yes. You can make and register a Lasting Power of Attorney yourself in England and Wales, either online through the Office of the Public Guardian or on paper forms (LP1F and LP1H). A solicitor is optional, useful for complex estates or for peace of mind, but not legally required.

How long does it take to register an LPA?

Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian takes around 8 to 10 weeks if the forms contain no errors. There is a statutory waiting period during which named people can raise an objection. Because of this delay, it's best to register the LPA as soon as it's signed rather than waiting until it's needed.

Do I need a certificate provider for an LPA?

Yes. Every LPA needs an independent certificate provider who confirms you understand the document and are not being pressured into it. They must either have known you well for at least two years or be a relevant professional, such as a GP or solicitor. They cannot be a family member or one of your attorneys.

Can I make a power of attorney online?

Yes, in England and Wales you can make a Lasting Power of Attorney online through the Office of the Public Guardian's service, which guides you through and catches common mistakes. You still need to print, sign and register it. Further digital reforms, including identity verification, are being introduced under the Powers of Attorney Act 2023.

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Know Your Rights UK. "How to Set Up a Power of Attorney." Know Your Rights UK, https://www.knowyourrightsuk.com/power-of-attorney/how-to-set-up