What Power of Attorney Do I Need in the UK?
If you’re asking what power of attorney do I need, you’re already planning wisely. Setting up the right Power of Attorney (POA) ensures someone you trust can step in and manage your affairs if you can’t—due to illness, accident, or age-related decline. In this guide, we’ll explore which type of POA is right for your needs and how to set one up without stress.
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you (the donor) to appoint one or more people (your attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf. These decisions could be about your finances, property, or personal welfare.
Without a POA in place, even your closest family members can’t legally act for you. They would need to apply to the Court of Protection—a process that’s expensive, slow, and emotionally draining.
What Power of Attorney Do I Need? Explore the Options
The right POA depends on your personal situation. In the UK, there are three main types of Power of Attorney:
1. Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
Best for long-term future planning.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is ideal if you want to plan ahead. It comes in two versions:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA – Lets someone handle your money, bills, and property matters.
- Health and Welfare LPA – Allows decisions about medical care, daily routines, and life-sustaining treatment.
When to use it: If you want peace of mind for the future, especially if you’re concerned about dementia, stroke, or other medical issues that could affect your mental capacity.
Learn more about Lasting Powers of Attorney.
2. Ordinary Power of Attorney
Best for temporary situations when you still have capacity.
An Ordinary POA allows someone to manage your financial affairs while you still have mental capacity. It’s useful for short-term needs—like if you’re abroad, in hospital, or recovering from surgery.
3. Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)
Valid only if created before October 1, 2007.
You can’t make a new EPA, but existing ones are still valid. They cover financial matters only and must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian if the donor loses capacity.
How to Choose the Right Power of Attorney
Still unsure what power of attorney you need? Here’s a quick guide based on real-life situations:
| Situation | Recommended POA |
|---|---|
| You’re abroad and need someone to manage your UK finances. | Ordinary POA |
| You want someone to manage finances or health decisions if you lose capacity later. | Lasting POA (both types) |
| You made an EPA years ago and are now losing capacity. | Register your existing EPA |
What Attorneys Can and Cannot Do
What Attorneys Can Do
Depending on the POA type, your attorney(s) can:
- Manage bank accounts and investments
- Pay bills, mortgage, rent, and taxes
- Buy or sell your property
- Make decisions about healthcare and care homes
- Consent to medical treatment or refuse life-sustaining care (if authorised)
What Attorneys Cannot Do
- Make or change your will
- Act after your death (that’s the executor’s job)
- Transfer their power to someone else
- Make large gifts without court permission
All actions must follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Cost of Setting Up a Power of Attorney
In 2025, the government fee is £82 per LPA. If you want both a financial and a health LPA, the total is £164. Fee reductions are available if you’re on a low income or certain benefits.
View our full pricing breakdown here.
How to Set Up the Right POA
- Choose your attorney(s) wisely—someone responsible and trustworthy
- Decide which POA types you need (Ordinary, Financial LPA, Health LPA)
- Use the official GOV.UK online tool or work with a specialist
- Print, sign, and witness the forms in the correct legal order
- Send them to the OPG with your payment
Need expert help? Book a free consultation today.
Real-Life Example: Choosing the Right POA
Helen, age 70, was diagnosed with early-stage dementia. She set up both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA. Her son now helps manage her bills and care decisions with confidence—without delays or legal hurdles.
FAQs: What Power of Attorney Do I Need?
Can I make a POA myself? Yes, but working with a professional ensures the forms are error-free and legally valid.
Should I make both types of LPA? Absolutely. They cover different aspects of your life—finance and healthcare.
Can a POA be done online? Yes, but signing and witnessing must still be done on paper. Learn more about online POA here.
Conclusion
Understanding what power of attorney you need can save time, protect your assets, and give peace of mind to your loved ones. Whether it’s for short-term help or long-term planning, setting up the right POA is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Book a free call with our experts and take the first step toward protecting your future.