When we’re approached by someone who wants to safeguard their future through professional estate planning, a common question they ask is: ‘Do I need a solicitor for a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?’
While the short answer to this question is straightforward, the longer one is more complex (but still well worth hearing to help you make a more informed decision).
Can you do an LPA yourself without a solicitor?
So, do you need a solicitor for a Lasting Power of Attorney? Legally, no – a solicitor is not required for the creation or registration of an LPA in the UK.
However, seeking guidance from one, like the specialist SRA-regulated solicitors at Honey Legal, can have plenty of benefits – particularly if you have a complex assets portfolio or a complicated family dynamic.
And, please be aware, according to official Office of the Public Guardian data, 50,918 LPA applications were rejected in 2023–24 alone.
Why use a solicitor for an LPA
Among the benefits of using a solicitor to create and register an LPA include:
Meticulous administration support
While you legally don’t need a solicitor to make (and register) an LPA in the UK, you may still require one if you struggle with completing paperwork.
That’s because specific forms provided by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) must be completed online or on paper to create and register an LPA.
The relevant forms include:
- LP1F – to create a Property and Financial Affairs LPA
- LP1H – to create a Health and Welfare LPA
- LP3 – to notify people of your LPA registration
- LPA120 – for eligible individuals to apply for fee reduction or exemption
A specialist solicitor can ensure these forms are completed thoroughly and error-free, helping to avoid any unnecessary form rejections that cause delays.
Specialist expertise and guidance
Specialist solicitors benefit from possessing up-to-date legal knowledge, as well as in-depth expertise in estate planning, allowing them to provide informed support with:
- Navigating complicated family dynamics
- Protecting and managing complex assets
- Clarifying specific LPA preferences and restrictions
- Ensuring LPA donors and attorneys possess mental capacity
Peace of mind
Knowing that a professional solicitor has taken care of your LPA can give you one of the most important benefits – invaluable peace of mind that your wishes have been clearly communicated and are legally valid.
Speak to Honey Legal’s SRA-regulated solicitors
Put the validity of your LPA in safe hands with our specialist team of SRA-regulated solicitors.
We’ve accumulated years of combined experience drafting clear and comprehensive LPAs for more than 100,000 families across England and Wales.
A testament to our hard work is the thousands of 5-star Trustpilot reviews that our team has earned over the years – all thanks to our friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable approach.
To ensure the creation of a comprehensive LPA that meets your exacting needs, we dedicate a significant amount of time to learning more about your specific requirements and situation.
We offer face-to-face meetings in the comfort of your own home and welcome the presence of supportive family members, too.
📞 Call us on 0800 9 500 100
📧 Email us at enquiries@honeylegal.co.uk
Eager to learn more? Feel free to explore our helpful FAQs page, which answers more common questions like ‘Do I need a solicitor for an LPA?’
For any additional information contact Honey by calling us on 0800 9500 700 to arrange a free, no obligation initial consultation at a time convenient to you and your loved ones, in the comfort of your own home.
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