What Does a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Cover?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so yourself.
The person making the LPA is known as the donor
The person appointed to act is called the attorney
There are two main types of LPA, and many people choose to have both.
1. Property and Financial Affairs LPA
A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your attorney to manage your financial matters if you’re unavailable or lose mental capacity.
This can include:
Managing bank and building society accounts
Paying household bills and ongoing expenses
Handling investments, pensions, and savings
Buying, selling, or renting property
Managing tax affairs and general financial planning
This type of LPA can be used as soon as it is registered, if you choose, or only if you lose mental capacity.
2. Health and Welfare LPA
A Health and Welfare LPA allows your attorney to make decisions about your personal care and medical treatment only if you lose mental capacity.
It can cover decisions about:
Medical treatment and healthcare choices
Care homes or supported living arrangements
Day-to-day care, diet, and daily routine
Life-sustaining treatment (if you give explicit permission)
This LPA ensures your wishes are respected when you’re unable to communicate them yourself.
💡 Top tip: Many people benefit from having both a Health and Welfare LPA and a Property and Financial Affairs LPA to ensure full protection.
How Zavri Law’s LPA Solicitors Can Help
Creating an LPA is about more than completing paperwork. It’s about protecting your future and making sure the right people are legally empowered to act for you.
Our experienced solicitors make the process simple, secure, and stress-free.
Our support includes:
Clear, plain-English advice
We explain your options and help you decide which type of LPA is right for your circumstances.
Preparation and registration of documents
We ensure everything is completed correctly, signed in the right order, and legally valid.
Help fixing rejected applications
If a DIY LPA has been refused, we can help correct errors and manage resubmission.
Guidance on choosing attorneys
We help you think through who should act for you and how to protect your interests.
Fast, hassle-free service
We manage the process from start to finish so you don’t have to worry about technical details.
How Much Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Cost?
The cost of an LPA varies depending on complexity and the level of legal support required.
Some solicitors charge up to £1,000
Zavri Law offers transparent fixed-fee pricing, starting from £349 for a single LPA, including legal advice
There is also a standard registration fee payable to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), currently £82 per LPA.
Disbursement Fees Explained
Disbursements are third-party costs paid on your behalf. Typical LPA disbursements include:
£82 – LPA registration fee
£41 – Resubmission fee (if required)
£35 – Certified or office copy of an LPA
Fee Reductions and Exemptions
You may qualify for reduced or waived fees if:
Your annual income is below £12,000 (50% reduction)
You receive certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Income Support
If eligible, the registration fee may be reduced or removed entirely.
💡 Important: Each LPA requires a separate registration fee. Errors that require resubmission may result in additional costs—professional help can prevent this.
Why Use a Solicitor for an LPA?
While it’s possible to create an LPA yourself, errors are common and can cause serious delays or invalidate the document.
A solicitor helps you:
✅ Avoid costly mistakes and rejected applications
✅ Deal with complex assets, businesses, or care preferences
✅ Ensure correct witnessing, signing, and registration
✅ Complete the process faster and with confidence
Can You Make an LPA Without a Solicitor?
Yes, LPAs can be created directly through the Office of the Public Guardian. However, DIY applications are often rejected due to technical errors.
Using a solicitor ensures your LPA is:
Legally valid and compliant
Correctly executed and witnessed
Tailored to your personal and financial circumstances
Our Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitors
At Zavri Law, we work only with experienced legal professionals who specialise in LPAs.
Our standards include:
Fully regulated professionals
Solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or CILEX.
Specialist LPA expertise
Our solicitors regularly draft and register LPAs and understand common pitfalls.
Proven experience and client satisfaction
We assess qualifications, experience, and feedback before working with any solicitor.
When Should You Put an LPA in Place?
The best time to set up an LPA is before you need it.
To make an LPA, you must have full mental capacity. If capacity is lost without an LPA in place, loved ones may need to apply for a court-appointed Deputyship—an expensive and lengthy process.
You should consider an LPA if:
You want trusted people to manage your affairs if needed
You have a condition that could affect decision-making
You run a business or own significant assets
You want to avoid court involvement and delays
❗ Being married or in a civil partnership does not automatically give your partner authority to make decisions for you.
Four Key Benefits of Having an LPA
1. Peace of Mind
You decide who makes decisions for you—not the courts.
2. Avoid Legal Complications
Without an LPA, loved ones may face delays, costs, and uncertainty.
3. Control Over When It Starts
You choose whether your financial LPA starts immediately or only if capacity is lost.
4. Financial and Healthcare Protection
Your attorney can manage bills, finances, care arrangements, and medical decisions smoothly and lawfully.
What Is the Powers of Attorney Act 2023?
The Powers of Attorney Act 2023 modernised the LPA system to make it more secure and accessible.
Key changes include:
Introduction of digital LPA applications
Stronger identity verification
Enhanced fraud prevention safeguards
These updates aim to protect donors while making the process quicker and more efficient.
What Are Your Next Steps?
If you’re thinking about setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney, Zavri Law is here to help.
Our expert solicitors will guide you through every stage with clarity and care.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation, fixed-fee quote and straightforward legal advice.
Disclaimer
This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Every situation is different. For advice specific to your circumstances, please speak to a qualified solicitor.