How Long Does Lasting Power of Attorney Take in the UK?
Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most important steps in future-proofing your finances, health, and care decisions. But many people hesitate to start the process because they’re unsure about how long it takes.
So, how long does lasting power of attorney take? In the UK, the complete process—from filling out the forms to official registration—typically takes around 8 to 10 weeks. However, several factors can affect the timeline.
In this guide, we’ll break down the full timeline for creating and registering a Lasting Power of Attorney, offer tips for avoiding delays, and explain what to expect at each stage.
If you want expert help to streamline the process, you can book a free consultation with our team. You can also review our affordable pricing to get started today.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone (the “donor”) to appoint one or more trusted individuals (the “attorneys”) to make decisions on their behalf if they lose mental capacity or need assistance.
There are two types of LPA:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA: Covers money, bills, property, and bank accounts
- Health and Welfare LPA: Covers medical decisions, daily care, and living arrangements
Both types must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used. This is where timing comes into play.
How Long Does It Take to Register a Lasting Power of Attorney?
On average, it takes about 8 to 10 weeks from the moment you submit your completed application to the OPG until it is officially registered.
This timeframe includes:
- A 4-week statutory waiting period during which objections can be raised
- Additional processing time by the OPG to review the application and complete registration
Delays may occur if the forms are filled out incorrectly, signatures are missing, or documents arrive out of order. Working with a professional can help avoid these common pitfalls.
Timeline Breakdown: Setting Up an LPA Step-by-Step
Let’s break down each stage of the LPA process so you can understand where the time goes:
Step 1: Drafting the LPA (1–7 days)
If you’re filling out the forms yourself through the GOV.UK LPA service, it may take a few days to collect all the necessary information. If you’re working with a solicitor or estate planning service like ours, we can help you complete the paperwork in as little as 24–48 hours.
You’ll need to:
- Decide which type(s) of LPA to create
- Choose your attorney(s)
- Nominate replacement attorneys (optional but recommended)
- Select a certificate provider
- List people to notify (optional)
Step 2: Signing and Witnessing (3–14 days)
Once the forms are filled in, they need to be signed in a specific order:
- Donor signs first
- Certificate provider signs next
- Attorneys sign last
Each signature must be witnessed by someone present at the time. This step often causes delays if parties are unavailable or living far apart. Try to coordinate signing sessions in advance to keep things moving.
Step 3: Submitting the LPA for Registration (1 day)
After all signatures are complete, the form must be posted to the Office of the Public Guardian along with the £82 registration fee (per LPA). You can pay by cheque or online if applying digitally. Make sure to include:
- The original signed LPA
- Payment details or proof of fee exemption
- Any forms to notify people if required
Step 4: The OPG Statutory Waiting Period (4 weeks)
By law, there is a minimum 4-week waiting period before the OPG can register the LPA. This gives time for anyone who’s been notified to raise objections if they have concerns about the appointment of attorneys.
If no objections are raised, the OPG moves on to review the application in full.
Step 5: Final Registration by OPG (3–5 weeks)
The OPG checks every section of the LPA for legal accuracy. If there are no errors, they will officially register the document and return a stamped copy. If there are mistakes, the application may be rejected—causing significant delays.
How Can You Speed Up the Process?
While you can’t skip the 4-week legal waiting period, you can avoid delays by:
- Filling out forms correctly the first time
- Ensuring signatures are in the right order
- Working with a professional to review documents before submission
- Using tracked post when sending your documents to the OPG
At MP Estate Planning, our experienced team ensures your LPA is error-free and ready for quick submission. Book your free call today to get expert help and peace of mind.
Can an LPA Be Used Before Registration?
No. A Lasting Power of Attorney must be registered with the OPG before it can be used. Attorneys cannot legally act on your behalf until registration is complete—even if the donor loses capacity in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average time to register an LPA in the UK?
The full registration process usually takes 8 to 10 weeks from submission to approval.
Can I speed up the LPA process?
While the statutory waiting period is fixed, you can avoid delays by working with a solicitor or estate planner who checks your forms for errors before submission.
What if my application is rejected?
You’ll need to correct any mistakes and re-submit, which can delay the process by several more weeks. This is why accuracy is essential.
Is it quicker to apply online?
You can use the online tool to complete the LPA form, but it must still be printed, signed by all parties, and physically mailed to the OPG.
Conclusion
So, how long does a Lasting Power of Attorney take? On average, the full process takes 8–10 weeks—but it can take longer if there are errors in the paperwork or delays in getting signatures.
To avoid stress, it’s best to start the process early—especially if you or a loved one is at risk of losing capacity. With the right guidance, you can ensure your LPA is submitted quickly and correctly, giving you lasting peace of mind.
Need help getting started? Book a free consultation with our estate planning experts, or explore our transparent pricing for hassle-free LPA services tailored to your needs.