How do I set up a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Contact the Office of the Public Guardian to get the relevant forms and an information pack. You can download the forms or fill them out online.

An LPA covers decisions about your financial affairs, or your health and care. It comes into effect if you lose mental capacity, or if you no longer want to make decisions for yourself. You would set up an LPA if you want to make sure you're covered in the future.

You can fill out the forms yourself, or with the help of a solicitor or local advice agency. Taking professional advice can prevent problems later on, especially if you’re unsure of the process or your affairs are complex.

Have your LPA signed by a certificate provider. This is someone who confirms that you understand it and haven’t been put under any pressure to sign it. The certificate provider must be someone you know well or a professional person such as a doctor, social worker or solicitor.

The LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. There's a fee of £82 to register your LPA. If you’re on a low income, you may be eligible for a 50% discount, and if you’re receiving certain benefits you won’t have to pay anything at all. You must register your LPA while you still have the mental capacity and it can’t be used during the registration process which takes about 9 weeks. If you lose mental capacity but signed the LPA while you still had mental capacity, your attorney can register it for you.