Frequently Asked Questions on LPA online

ActiveWills simplifies the LPA production process. These tips will help you when filling in the forms.

Take your time - don't rush. It's important to get it right. Make sure you spell people's names exactly. Make sure you include all middle names. Check dates of birth for everyone mentioned in your LPA. Ensure that all addresses are absolutely accurate. Contact us if you get stuck.

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What is the Office of the Public Guardian?

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is a government office who’s role is to protect people in England and Wales who may not have the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves, such as about their health and finance.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf. This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and can’t make your own decisions (you “lack mental capacity”).

Why should I have an LPA?

If you lose mental capacity through illness, age or an accident, unless you've already filled in the Power of Attorney forms, your loved ones will need to apply through the courts to become your 'deputy', this is a long and expensive process. Instead, you can nominate a trusted friend or relative before you lose capacity, by setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

Who is an LPA for?

LPA’s are not just for the elderly, LPAs can help anyone over the age of 18 to plan for the future in case they have an accident or fall ill with illnesses such as dementia, strokes and heart disease.

If I put an LPA in place do I lose control of my life?

No, an LPA is there to give your trusted family or friends the ability to make decisions on your behalf when and if you ever lose the mental capacity to do so yourself.

What does the term Donor mean?

The person giving the power is known as the donor to an Attorney to make decisions on their behalf.

What does the term Attorney mean?

An Attorney is the person that a Donor trusts to make decisions on their behalf if the donor loses mental capacity to make decisions on their own.

What does “People to tell” mean

This is the person or people that the Donor wishes to be informed that an LPA has been registered for them, they will have the right to object if they feel that the Attorneys would not act in the Donors interests.

What is a Certificate Provider?

A Certificate Provider is a person who can Certify that you understand what the LPA is, that you have the mental capacity to make the decision to put an LPA in place and that you are not being unduly pressured to setup the LPA.

Where do I post my LPA to?

Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham, B2 2WH

How much does it cost to register an LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian?

The Office of the Public Guardian changes £82 for each LPA however these costs can be reduced under certain circumstances, to see if you can get reduced registration fees click here.