Can Power of Attorney Be Revoked In The UK?

Many people ask: can Power of Attorney be revoked? The answer is yes. In the UK, a Power of Attorney (POA) can be cancelled at any time—if the person who made it (the donor) still has mental capacity. Whether you’re the donor or someone supporting them, it’s important to understand how the process works.

This guide explains when and how Power of Attorney can be revoked. We’ll cover who can revoke it, the steps to take, and what happens next. If you’re thinking about changing or cancelling a POA, this article will help you do it with confidence.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document. It lets someone (the attorney) make decisions on behalf of someone else (the donor). These decisions may be about money, property, healthcare, or daily welfare.

In the UK, there are three main types:

• Ordinary Power of Attorney – for short-term use while the donor still has capacity
• Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) – used if the donor later loses mental capacity
• Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) – older version, made before 1 October 2007

Learn more about LPAs here.

Can Power of Attorney Be Revoked?

Yes, Power of Attorney can be revoked. The donor has the right to cancel it at any time—if they still understand what they’re doing. This puts the donor back in control and lets them make changes if needed.

Common Reasons for Cancelling a POA

• The donor no longer trusts the attorney
• The relationship has broken down
• The attorney is unwilling or unable to act
• The donor wants to choose someone else

Who Can Revoke a Power of Attorney?

1. The Donor

If the donor has mental capacity, they can cancel a POA at any time. This applies to all types—Ordinary, LPA, or EPA (if unregistered).

2. The Court of Protection

If the donor has lost mental capacity, the Court of Protection can remove an attorney. This only happens if someone raises concerns and provides evidence.

3. It Ends Automatically

Sometimes, a POA ends without needing formal action. This happens if:

• The donor or attorney dies
• The attorney loses capacity
• The donor or attorney becomes bankrupt (for financial POAs)
• The donor marries or enters a civil partnership (unless the POA says otherwise)

How to Revoke a Power of Attorney

The steps depend on what type of POA you have.

Revoking a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

1. Write a “Deed of Revocation” – a formal notice to cancel the LPA
2. Sign and have the deed witnessed
3. Send copies to:
   • The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
   • Your attorney(s)

You can use a template from GOV.UK or get help from a solicitor.

Revoking an Ordinary Power of Attorney

1. Write a short letter or deed to cancel it
2. Send the notice to your attorney(s)
3. Inform banks or organisations that were using it

Revoking an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)

If the EPA is not registered yet, cancel it like an Ordinary POA. If it’s already registered, you’ll need to apply to the Court of Protection to revoke it.

Need help with revocation? Book a free consultation with our team.

Replacing or Updating a Power of Attorney

You don’t have to go without protection. After revoking an old POA, you can set up a new one. Many people do this to reflect changes in relationships, health, or financial needs.

Good Reasons to Replace Your POA:

• Your current attorney is no longer the right choice
• You want to name more than one attorney
• You need to include health and welfare decisions

To avoid any gap in legal protection, set up a new POA before cancelling the old one.

Why Proper Revocation Matters

If you don’t cancel a POA the right way, it could still be used. This may lead to confusion, legal issues, or even fraud.

If you’re asking, “can Power of Attorney be revoked safely?”—the answer is yes, but make sure it’s done by the book.

Real-Life Example

Margaret, 78, had appointed her eldest son as her attorney. But over the years, their relationship changed. Concerned, she revoked the LPA and chose her daughter and solicitor instead. She acted early and kept control of her future.

FAQs: Can Power of Attorney Be Revoked?

Can I cancel my POA if I change my mind?
Yes. If you still have capacity, you can revoke it anytime.

Do I need to tell my attorney?
Yes. You must inform them in writing for the revocation to be valid.

Can I cancel someone else’s POA?
Only the Court of Protection can do that, and only if the donor has lost capacity.

Do I need a solicitor?
Not always, but legal help ensures it’s done correctly—especially for LPAs.

What happens if I cancel a POA but don’t replace it?
You may be left unprotected. Always create a new POA before cancelling the old one.

Cost of Cancelling or Changing a Power of Attorney

There’s no government fee to cancel a POA. But if you create a new LPA, it costs £82 to register each one (£164 for both types). Legal fees may also apply if you want help.

Check our fixed-fee pricing here.

Conclusion

Can Power of Attorney be revoked? Yes—and it’s your legal right to do so. If you no longer trust your attorney or your plans have changed, take action now. You have full control, as long as you still have mental capacity.

Our team can guide you through it. From writing the revocation to setting up a new POA, we’ll make the process smooth and stress-free.

Book your free consultation today and protect your future with confidence.

Want to see what it costs? View our pricing page here.