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How to Correctly Sign Your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

A step-by-step guide for ensuring your LPA is legally valid in England & Wales.

lpa

What You Need to Know First

There are two types of LPA:

  • 1. Health and Welfare
  • 2. Property and Financial Affairs

You may complete one or both LPAs — the signing process is the same for each.

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LPAs must be signed in a specific order and witnessed correctly. If done incorrectly, the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) may reject your application.

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Signing Order Overview

You MUST sign the LPA in this exact order:

  • 1. Donor (you)
  • 2. Certificate Provider
  • 3. Attorneys
  • 4. Witnesses (as needed)

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Donor Signs First

  • Who? You — the person making the LPA (the “Donor”).
  • Where? Section 9 of the LPA form.
  • Do I need a witness? Yes — someone must watch you sign and then sign themselves.

Witness Requirements:

  • Must be 18 or over
  • Must not be an attorney or certificate provider
  • Must be physically present when you sign

2

Certificate Provider Signs Next

  • Who? The person confirming you understand what the LPA means.
  • Where? Section 10.
  • When? After you sign, but before your attorneys sign.
  • Who can they be?
    • Someone who has known you for at least 2 years
    • OR a professional (e.g., GP, solicitor)

They must NOT be:

  • An attorney
  • Related to you or an attorney
  • The same person as your witness

3

Attorneys Sign

  • Who? All of your chosen attorneys.
  • Where? Section 11.
  • When? After the Certificate Provider has signed.
  • Each attorney must:
    • Sign in person
    • Have their signature witnessed

Witness Requirements for Attorneys:

Same rules: 18+, not related, not a co-attorney, present at signing

4

Replacement Attorneys (If Any) Sign

  • Where? Section 12
  • Same process as primary attorney

5

Final Check Before Sending to OPG

Ensure:

  • Everyone signed in the correct order
  • All signatures are dated
  • All witness details are included (name, signature, and date)
  • There are no alterations, missing pages, or attachments (e.g., paperclips, staples)
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Registering Your LPA

Once completed:

  • Send the original signed forms to the Office of the Public Guardian. (Office of the Public Guardian, PO Box 16185, Birmingham, B2 2WH)
  • Include the registration fee (£92 per LPA, unless you're exempt or eligible for a reduction).
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Need Help?

Mistakes can delay registration. If you're unsure at any step, speak to our support team before signing.


Phone: 0330 822 8449

Email: [email protected]