Guidance

Avoiding errors when completing a lasting power of attorney form

This guidance has been written to help the donor avoid making errors when they fill out a lasting power of attorney (LPA) form.

• From: Office of the Public Guardian
• Published: 31 August 2023
• Last updated: 5 October 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Avoiding errors when completing a lasting power of attorney form

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Avoiding errors when completing a lasting power of attorney form

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Details

This guide will help you complete the LPA forms and avoid making common mistakes.

In this guide ‘you’ means the donor.

It’s important that the LPA forms are filled out correctly. The attorneys you have appointed may not be able to make important decisions for you if there is an error in the LPA.

If you make an error on your LPA, it could mean:

• a delay in the registration process
• your LPA is not legally valid
• the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) cannot register the LPA at all

Sometimes the application process can seem complicated. This guidance explains how to avoid the most common errors.

To further help you reduce the chance of making errors, you can use OPG’s ‘Make a lasting power of attorney’ online service at www.lastingpowerofattorney.service.gov.uk. It also helps guide you through the process. This service is only available in English.

Published 31 August 2023
Last updated 5 October 2023 + show all updates

1. 5 October 2023

   Information updated under order of signing.

2. 31 August 2023

   Added translation