Danger: Unregistered LPAs
Even if your Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are fully signed and witnessed, they’re completely useless until registered with the Office of the Public Guardian — and that takes two months or more. Find out how to save up to £40 or maybe much more..
When Capacity Is Lost, THEN You TRY to Register? NO – get it done NOW!
We tend to imagine capacity loss as something that only happens with old age. But it often comes suddenly or unexpectedly, and it may come and go:
– A serious accident (e.g. car crash, fall, or head injury – I had one at 21)
– A stroke (38% occur between 40 and 69 – some younger, most older).
– A mental health crisis from stress or burnout
– Disorientation from medication or drug interactions whether medical or social
– A severe infection (like sepsis or UTI)
– The creeping effects of dementia
Over 50,000 LPAs were rejected in 2023-4.
When something happens, decisions need to be made quickly — but without a registered LPA, no one has legal authority to act.
If there is a problem PLEASE find out NOW.
Rejected LPAs = Court of Protection
Even minor mistakes on the LPAs — a missed date, unclear signing order, overwriting or invalid witnessing — can mean your LPA is rejected by the Office of the Public Guardian.
– If you still have capacity, you can redo it and reapply.
– If you’ve lost capacity, it’s off to the Court of Protection. That means:
– A long delay (6–12 months)
– High cost (application, solicitor, and ongoing supervision fees)
– Emotional strain for your family
All of this can be avoided — simply by registering the LPA now. If you are unlucky, the Court of Protection may appoint (at your expense) a solicitor to manage your finances, and reserve the right for judges at the Court to make any welfare decisions.
You May Be Eligible for a Fee Reduction or Free Registration
Registration is £82 per LPA, until November 17th 2025 then £92, but people on qualifying benefits (e.g. Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit) may be entitled to:
– 50% fee reduction
– Full fee remission (register for free)
This discount can only be claimed at the time of registration — not later. So register while you can still apply.
Why You Need Both LPAs
There are two types of LPA:
Financial LPA:
– Access bank accounts, pensions, investments
– Pay bills, sell or manage property
– Deal with benefits, taxes, debts
Health & Welfare LPA:
– Decide medical treatment
– Choose where you live and who you see (e.g. home or care)
– Make life-sustaining treatment decisions
Without the Health & Welfare LPA, your family cannot:
– Decide on your medical treatment
– Move you into care (or keep you out)
– Keep you at home if that’s your wish as they may be overrules by Social Services (see Betty Figg)