Ola Leslie Solicitors Lower Marsh SE1

Lasting Power of Attorney

WHAT IS LPA? MEANING, BENEFITS AND COST

By Ola Leslie Solicitors

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most important legal documents anyone in the UK can put in place to protect their future. It allows you to appoint someone you trust to make key decisions about your property, finances, health, and personal welfare in case you lose the mental capacity to do so yourself. Whether due to illness, accident, or age-related conditions like dementia, an LPA gives you peace of mind that your affairs will be handled according to your wishes.

In this complete guide, you will learn:

The meaning of LPA and how it works
The benefits of making one
The costs involved and how to get started
How LPAs have helped real clients
Answers to the most frequently asked questions

Prefer to act now? Start your LPA with Ola Leslie Solicitors

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you (the donor) to appoint one or more trusted people (called attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity in the future. It is a proactive, protective step to ensure that your preferences are respected, even when you can’t make or express those decisions yourself.

There are two main types of LPA in the UK:

1. Property and Financial Affairs LPA

This allows your attorney(s) to:

Manage your bank accounts
Pay bills and collect benefits
Handle property transactions (buying, selling or renting)
Make investment decisions

LPA can be used even while you still have capacity, if you allow it.

2. Health and Welfare LPA

This allows your attorney(s) to:

Make decisions about medical treatment
Decide where you live (home or care home)
Agree or refuse life-sustaining treatment (if you allow it)
Manage your day-to-day care needs

Only takes effect once you lose mental capacity.

See how others have used this: Case Studies: How LPAs Have Helped Real Clients

Why Create an LPA?

Creating an LPA ensures that:

Your wishes are followed even if you can not communicate them later.
Someone you trust makes decisions in your best interest.
You avoid the need for your family to apply for a Deputyship, which is more time-consuming, expensive, and stressful.

Discover: Do I Need a Lasting Power of Attorney? What You Should Know Before Instructing a Solicitor

Benefits of an LPA

Choice and control – Choose who will act for you, rather than a court making that decision.
Peace of mind – Know that your finances and health decisions are safeguarded.
Avoid costly delays – LPA avoids the need for court involvement in most cases.
Eases burden on loved ones – No guessing; your wishes are clear and legally binding.

Explore: Case Studies: How LPAs Have Helped Real Clients

Costs of Making an LPA in the UK

Creating an LPA involves a registration fee and possibly a professional fee (if using a solicitor):

Cost Element	Amount
Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) fee	£82 per LPA (as of 2025)
Reduced Fee / Exemption	Available for low-income or benefits
Solicitor Fees (Optional)	£150–£500+ per LPA

Read: Frequently Asked Questions About Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

How to Make an LPA: Step-by-Step

Choose your attorneys – Trusted friends, family, or professionals.
Fill out the LPA forms
Sign the forms – With a certificate provider who confirms you understand.
Register with the Office of the Public Guardian – Only registered LPAs can be used.

Don’t forget your pre-appointment checklist: LPA Preparation Checklist: What to Consider Before Your Appointment

Real-Life Examples: How LPAs Work in Practice

From adult children managing a parent’s dementia care to spouses handling property transactions during illness, LPAs have protected thousands of families.

Read our real stories: Case Studies: How LPAs Have Helped Real Clients

Common Questions About LPAs

Can I choose more than one attorney?

We have answered all your top questions here:

Frequently Asked Questions About Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

Conclusion (Should You Create an LPA?)

If you value control, clarity, and peace of mind, creating a Lasting Power of Attorney is a vital step. It’s never too early to plan for the future, but it can be too late.

An LPA protects your financial affairs, secures your healthcare decisions, and relieves loved ones of uncertainty during difficult times. By putting the right legal framework in place, you ensure that your wishes are respected and your best interests upheld, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

Take Action Now: Start Your LPA with Ola Leslie Solicitors

Don’t leave your future to chance. Let our experienced team help you create a legally sound and tailored LPA that gives you full control and peace of mind.