In recognition of Carer’s UK - Power of Attorney Day – 22 April 2026, I thought it would be helpful to set out some general information on how important it is to have Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in place, even if they are not yet required.
Whilst a lot of people are aware that there are two types of LPAs: Health and Welfare and Property and Financial Affairs, one aspect that does surprise them is the time it takes to register the documents at the Office of the Public Guardian. Once the LPAs are sent for registration, it can take three to four months to receive the registered documents back. This is in addition to the time it takes to circulate the documents to the appointed Attorneys for signing. It is also important to note that there is no option to expedite the application no matter how urgent the donor’s circumstances have become.
My advice is always: do not leave it too late to have registered LPAs in place. Even if the documents are not required for many years, to have them in place makes life so much easier for the appointed Attorneys when then time comes for them to start acting for the donor.