Power of Attorney

Types of Power of Attorney

When arranging a Power of Attorney in the UK, it is important to understand the different types available so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The right choice will depend on whether you want help with financial decisions, health and care decisions, or both.

There are two main types of Power of Attorney:

1. Lasting Power of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney gives your chosen attorney or attorneys the legal authority to act on your behalf. It remains valid if you lose mental capacity, making it essential for long-term planning. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:

Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs

This type of Power of Attorney allows your attorney to handle your money, property, investments, and bills.

• Can be used immediately after being registered (with your permission) or only if you lose mental capacity.

• Tasks may include selling your home, paying your mortgage, arranging property repairs, and managing bank accounts.

• You can limit the attorney’s powers by adding specific instructions when setting it up. 

Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare

This type of Power of Attorney gives your attorney the right to make decisions about your medical treatment, care arrangements, daily routine, and where you live (for example, moving into a care home).

• Can only be used once you have lost mental capacity.

• You must decide whether your attorney can make decisions about life-sustaining treatment. To better understand the process and responsibilities, see our complete guide to Power of Attorney. 

2. Ordinary Power of Attorney

An Ordinary Power of Attorney is only valid while you still have mental capacity. It is generally used for short-term situations, such as:

• Managing finances while you are abroad

• Handling your affairs if you are in hospital

• Helping with banking if you cannot easily get to a branch

You can restrict your attorney’s authority to specific tasks. For example, managing one bank account but not your property.

How much does it cost to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney?

The cost of setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) depends on whether you choose to handle the application yourself or use a professional.

• Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) registration fee: £82 per document. If you set up both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA, you’ll need to pay this fee for each. Some people may qualify for a fee reduction or exemption depending on their income.

• Using a solicitor or professional service: Many people prefer to use a solicitor or legal professional to ensure the forms are completed accurately and avoid delays or rejections. Fees typically range from £250–£800 per document, depending on the level of advice and support required.

While it may seem more cost-effective to complete the paperwork yourself, mistakes can lead to additional costs and delays. Using a solicitor gives you peace of mind that your Lasting Power of Attorney is set up correctly and legally valid. To get started, compare quotes from trusted Power of Attorney solicitors today.