Register a Lasting Power of Attorney
Learn more about how to register a Lasting Power of Attorney when you speak to our experts. Registering your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) makes it legally valid, so your chosen person can act for you when needed. Our Leeds-based solicitors guide you through every form, signature, and step, ensuring your LPA is correctly registered with the Office of the Public Guardian without stress or delay.
- Follow simple steps to register a Lasting Power of Attorney
- Understand who needs to sign and when
- Get clear guidance from Leeds solicitors
- Avoid errors that delay registration
- Know how long the OPG process takes
- Join 4,000+ Winston Solicitors clients who trusted us
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is only valid once it’s registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney ensures that the person you trust (your attorney) can step in and make decisions for you when needed.
Speak to a solicitor about planning for your future
At Winston Solicitors in Leeds, we guide you through the full registration process, explaining each step in plain English. With over 3,000 five-star reviews, our team is known for making complex legal matters simple, supportive, and stress-free.
We take care of every detail, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or mistakes. Our clients appreciate how clear and calm the process feels once we’re involved.
Monika Volsing, Head of Private Client at Winston Solicitors
Who Needs to Sign the LPA Before Registration
To register a Lasting Power of Attorney, several people must sign it correctly. We’ll help you make sure every signature is in place before submission.
1. The Donor
You, the person setting up the LPA, must sign first. This confirms that you understand what you’re agreeing to and want the LPA to go ahead.
2. The Attorneys
Your chosen attorneys (the people who’ll act for you) must also sign to confirm they accept the role and understand their duties.
3. Witnesses
Both your signature and your attorneys’ signatures need to be witnessed. Witnesses must be over 18 and independent.
4. Certificate Provider
This person confirms that you have the mental capacity to make the LPA and are not being pressured into it. They can be:
- Someone who has known you personally for at least two years, such as a friend, neighbour, or colleague; or
- A professional, such as a GP, healthcare worker, or solicitor.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Lasting Power of Attorney
Step 1: Complete and Sign Your LPA
All required parties (you, your attorneys, witnesses, and the certificate provider) must sign in the correct order. Our solicitors will make sure nothing is missed.
Step 2: Prepare the Application
We’ll complete the application to register a Lasting Power of Attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian. This includes notices to anyone you’ve named to be told about the registration (notifying people is optional).
Step 3: Submit to the OPG
We send your LPA by special delivery . The OPG checks every page for accuracy.
Step 4: OPG Review and Processing
The OPG’s review usually takes around 16 weeks, depending on their workload. If there are any issues, we respond on your behalf to prevent delays.
Step 5: Receive Your Registered LPA
Once approved, your registered LPA is returned to us. We then safely forward it to you or store it securely if preferred.
How Long Does LPA Registration Take?
The OPG currently takes around 16 weeks to process applications. While you wait, your attorneys can’t use the LPA, so it’s best to register as soon as possible after it’s signed.
Our Leeds team keeps you updated every step of the way, so you’ll always know where your application stands.
Who Can Be an Attorney?
Anyone over 18 years old who is not bankrupt can act as your attorney. Most people choose a close relative or trusted friend.
You can have one or more attorneys. If you appoint more than one, you’ll need to decide how they act:
- Jointly (all must agree together), or
- Jointly and severally (they can make decisions together or separately).
We’ll explain what each option means and help you decide what’s best for your situation.
We used Winston Solicitors in order to write new wills and obtain health LPAs. We were very pleased with the service given. Emily was friendly, efficient and helpful with things explained clearly and promptly.
Kathryn, Leeds
Your peace of mind matters. Let us make registering a Lasting Power of Attorney simple, safe, and fully compliant. Speak to our friendly LPA solicitors in Leeds today. We'll handle everything from signatures to registration.
Register your LPA now, or call us on 0113 320 5000 to get started.
To register a Lasting Power of Attorney, you must complete the correct forms, ensure all required people sign in order, and then submit it to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Our Leeds solicitors can manage this entire process for you.
The donor, attorneys, witnesses, and a certificate provider must all sign the LPA. Each signature must be in the right order, otherwise the OPG can reject the application.
The Office of the Public Guardian usually takes around 16 weeks to register an LPA. Times vary depending on their workload, so it’s best to start early to avoid delays.
All LPAs in England and Wales must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). This is the Government body that oversees lasting powers of attorney and attorneys’ actions.
You can complete parts of the process online, but the final registration must still go through the OPG. Many people prefer to use a solicitor to avoid mistakes and speed up approval.
You don’t have to use a solicitor, but working with an experienced LPA solicitor in Leeds helps ensure everything is signed, witnessed and submitted correctly, saving time and avoiding rejection by the OPG.
