Finance glossary
Lasting Power of Attorney — LPA
Also known as: LPA
In simple terms
A Lasting Power of Attorney lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your money or health if you later become unable to make them yourself.
On this page
What does Lasting Power of Attorney mean?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the “donor”) appoint one or more “attorneys” to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to make them yourself. In England and Wales there are two types: one for property and financial affairs, and one for health and welfare.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own equivalent arrangements.
How an LPA works
You complete the LPA while you still have capacity and register it with the Office of the Public Guardian. A property and financial affairs LPA can be used (with your permission) while you still have capacity, or later if you lose it; a health and welfare LPA can only be used once you lack capacity.
Attorneys must act in your best interests and follow the Mental Capacity Act principles.
How could this affect me?
An LPA means someone you trust — rather than a court-appointed deputy — can manage things like paying bills or making care decisions if you become unable to. Setting one up in advance avoids delays and stress at a difficult time.
Choose attorneys carefully, as they will have significant power over your affairs.
Things to watch out for
- An LPA must be set up while you still have mental capacity.
- Choose attorneys you fully trust — they gain significant power.
- It must be registered before it can be used.
Know your rights
- LPAs are governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian; attorneys must act in your best interests.
- You can cancel an LPA while you still have capacity, and concerns about an attorney can be reported to the Office of the Public Guardian.
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- GOV.UK, Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.