LPA Health and Welfare vs Property and Financial Affairs
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in England and Wales. Many people set up both, but they serve different purposes and come into effect under different circumstances.
| Feature | Health and Welfare LPA | Property and Financial Affairs LPA |
|---|---|---|
| Covers decisions about | Medical treatment, care arrangements, where you live, day-to-day personal care | Bank accounts, property, investments, paying bills, benefits |
| When it can be used | Only when you lack mental capacity to decide yourself | Can be used as soon as registered, even if you still have capacity (with your permission) |
| Registration cost | £82 per LPA (reduced or waived if on low income) | £82 per LPA (reduced or waived if on low income) |
| Who registers it | The donor or attorney — registered with the Office of the Public Guardian | The donor or attorney — registered with the Office of the Public Guardian |
| Can include advance decisions | Yes — can record wishes about life-sustaining treatment | |
| Processing time | 20 weeks approximately (as of 2024) | 20 weeks approximately (as of 2024) |
Both LPAs must be made while the donor has mental capacity. Do not wait until a crisis — once capacity is lost, a Court of Protection application (much more expensive and slower) is required instead.
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