Lasting Power of Attorneythe easy way

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one for health and care decisions, and one for financial matters.

Yes, you can apply for both types of LPA: Property & Financial Affairs, and Health & Welfare. They’re separate applications, but we guide you through both as part of the same service.

A certificate provider is a legal requirement, they confirm you understand the LPA and aren’t being pressured. If you don’t have someone suitable, we can act as your certificate provider for just £20.

No, it’s not mandatory to use a solicitor. However, mistakes on the form can lead to delays or rejections. We handle everything for you, quickly, correctly, and at a fraction of the cost of a law firm

We’ve had 0 rejected applications, offer a fast 24-hour turnaround, and keep the process simple with our easy online system. Plus, we’re always here to support you if you have questions.

Once the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) receives your signed application, it typically takes around 8–10 weeks to register, this includes a mandatory 4-week waiting period.

Absolutely. Many of our customers apply on behalf of a parent, partner, or relative. Our process makes it easy to support a loved one every step of the way.

Over 50,000 LPAs rejected in 2023-24 due to errors. Most common: signing forms in wrong order (donor must sign first, then certificate provider, then attorneys), using wrong witnesses (attorneys can't witness donor's signature), incomplete names (must include all middle names), contradictory instructions (e.g., appointing attorneys jointly but instructing them to act separately), missing dates/signatures, using wrong LPA form type (Property vs Health & Welfare), and using correction fluid. 15% of applications contain errors.

OPG registration fee: £82 per LPA (reduced to £41 for those earning under £12,000/year or receiving certain benefits, waived entirely for some). Most people need both types (Property & Financial + Health & Welfare) = £164 total. Barnab service fee: £60 + VAT for complete application support for both LPAs. Solicitors typically charge £200-£500+ per LPA. Total DIY cost: £164 OPG fees. Total with Barnab: £164 + £60 + VAT = approximately £236.

Standard processing: up to 20 weeks (5 months) from submission if error-free. OPG receives 67,000 applications monthly. Processing delayed if forms contain errors requiring correction and resubmission. Once registered, LPA stamped 'validated-OPG' and can be used immediately. Delays common due to high volume and staffing. Apply as soon as possible - you cannot create LPA after losing mental capacity.

Certificate provider confirms you understand LPA and aren't being pressured. Must be impartial. Can be: someone who's known you personally for 2+ years (friend, colleague, neighbor - NOT family member), OR professional (GP, solicitor, social worker, accountant). Cannot be: family members, your attorney, your employee, or anyone with conflict of interest. Incorrect certificate provider is common rejection reason.

Without LPA, loved ones have no legal authority to manage your affairs. They must apply to Court of Protection for deputyship. Deputyship costs: £365+ application fee, £320/year minimum supervision fee, solicitor fees £2,000-£5,000+, 6-12 month process. Court imposes restrictions on what deputy can do. Deputy must submit annual reports and accounts. Process stressful, expensive, and could be entirely avoided with LPA costing £164-£344 total.

No. Once submitted to OPG, you cannot amend LPA. If mistake found, must withdraw application and create new LPA, paying £82 registration fee again. Never use correction fluid (Tippex) - automatic rejection. Before submission, can correct mistakes by: person who made error draws line through mistake, writes correction clearly, initials next to correction (must be in black ink). Best practice: double-check everything before posting to OPG.

Register immediately after signing, even while you have full capacity. Processing takes up to 20 weeks. LPA has no legal effect until registered - attorneys cannot use it. Common misconception: LPA valid once signed (FALSE - must be registered). If you lose capacity before registering, it may be too late if you can no longer confirm understanding. Early registration gives peace of mind and ensures attorneys can act when needed without delays.