Lasting power of attorney in England and Wales: the two types, the £92 fee and registration
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
A lasting power of attorney lets you choose someone to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity. This guide explains the two types, how to make and register one, what it costs and how long it takes.
Who this guide is for
This is general information for adults in England and Wales who want to understand how a lasting power of attorney (LPA) works. It does not apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland, which use different arrangements, and it is not advice for your own situation. Figures were checked on GOV.UK on 12 October 2026.
What an LPA is
An LPA is a legal document. It lets you, called the donor, appoint one or more people, called attorneys, to help you make decisions or to make decisions for you. It matters if you have an accident or illness and cannot make decisions yourself. GOV.UK says the donor must be 18 or over and have mental capacity when the LPA is made.
The two types
GOV.UK describes two separate types. You can make one or both.
- Health and welfare: covers decisions such as daily routine, medical care, moving into a care home and life-sustaining treatment. It can only be used when you cannot make your own decisions.
- Property and financial affairs: covers money and property, such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension, and selling a home. It can be used as soon as it is registered, if the donor gives permission.
How to make and register one
GOV.UK sets out three steps. First, choose your attorney or attorneys. Second, fill in the forms to appoint them. Third, register the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian. An LPA cannot be used until it is registered.
The GOV.UK forms page says that the LP1F (property and financial affairs) and LP1H (health and welfare) forms are used both to make and to register the LPA. If an LPA was made on certain older forms, a separate registration form is needed.
What it costs and how long it takes
The fee to apply to register an LPA is £92. GOV.UK says this rose from £82 on 17 November 2025. The Office of the Public Guardian says payment is due when you apply, and that fees cannot be refunded.
Help with the fee
The Office of the Public Guardian describes two kinds of help. If the donor receives certain means-tested benefits when the application is made, the fee can be waived completely (an exemption). If the donor's income before tax is less than £12,000 a year, they pay half the fee (a remission). For Universal Credit, the donor is assessed for a remission, not an exemption. The full criteria are in the LPA120 form and its guidance.
Why the timing matters
Because an LPA must be made while the donor still has mental capacity, it is something many people consider before they need it. If someone has already lost capacity, a different route through the Court of Protection may be needed. This guide does not cover that process.
Check before you act
Rules, forms and fees change. It can be worth checking the official pages linked below, or contacting the Office of the Public Guardian on 0300 456 0300, before filling in any forms. MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice also offer free guidance.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
