Can You Create an LPA Quickly?

Written by James Tyrrell · Reviewed by Anthony Dalton · Last reviewed 16 March 2026

A parent has just been diagnosed with early-stage dementia. A partner is going in for major surgery next month. Suddenly, creating an LPA feels urgent. The form itself can be completed in a couple of hours, but the overall process — from filling in the form to having a fully registered, usable LPA — takes several months due to the mandatory registration period with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). This guide breaks down the realistic timeline and explains how to make each stage as fast as possible.

How Long Does the LPA Form Take to Complete?

The LPA form itself can typically be completed in one to two hours if you have all the necessary information ready beforehand. This includes providing personal details for the donor, attorneys, replacement attorneys, certificate provider, and any people to be notified. You also need to make decisions about how your attorneys should act (jointly or severally) and whether to include any preferences or instructions.

Using an online service can make this process faster and more straightforward than filling in a paper form. Online tools guide you through each section step by step, flag potential errors as you go, and automatically format the document correctly. If you are creating both types of LPA — Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare — expect the process to take roughly twice as long, as each is a separate document.

For more detail on how long the form takes, see our guide on how long it takes to create an LPA.

How Long Does the Signing Process Take?

Once the form is completed, it needs to be signed by everyone involved in the correct order: the donor signs first, then the certificate provider, then each attorney and replacement attorney. Each signature (except the certificate provider's) must be witnessed by an independent person.

If everyone is available on the same day, the signing process can theoretically be completed within a few hours. However, in practice it often takes longer because the people involved may live in different locations or have different schedules. It is perfectly acceptable for each person to sign on different dates — the key requirement is that they sign in the correct order.

The signing stage is often where the biggest delays occur, particularly if attorneys live far away or the certificate provider is difficult to arrange a meeting with. Planning ahead and coordinating schedules in advance can save significant time.

How Long Does OPG Registration Take?

This is the stage that takes the longest and cannot be accelerated. Once the completed and signed LPA is submitted to the OPG along with the £92 registration fee, there is a mandatory waiting period. The OPG must notify anyone named in the "people to notify" section, and those people have a set period to raise any objections.

The current processing time for LPA registration is typically 8 to 10 weeks, although it can sometimes take longer during busy periods. There is no way to pay for expedited processing or fast-track an application. Even in urgent medical situations, the OPG does not offer a faster route for LPA registration.

For a detailed breakdown of the registration timeline, see our guide on how long it takes to register an LPA.

Tips to Speed Up the Process

While you cannot control how long the OPG takes to process your registration, there are several things you can do to make the stages you control as fast as possible:

• Gather all information first: Before you start the form, collect full names, dates of birth, and addresses for all attorneys, replacement attorneys, your certificate provider, and anyone you want to notify
• Use an online service: Online tools are faster than paper forms, reduce errors, and guide you through each step
• Coordinate signing in advance: Contact your attorneys and certificate provider beforehand to arrange signing dates
• Avoid common mistakes: Errors in the form or signing process will result in the LPA being returned by the OPG, adding weeks or months to the timeline
• Submit the correct fee: Ensure you include the £92 fee (per LPA) and that any cheques are correctly made out
• Check certificate provider eligibility: Make sure your chosen certificate provider actually qualifies for the role before they sign

What If You Need Decisions Made Urgently?

If someone has already lost mental capacity and urgent decisions need to be made, it is too late to create an LPA for them. The only option at that point is to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order — a process that takes several months and costs significantly more than an LPA.

This is exactly why starting early matters so much. Even if the person still has full mental capacity, beginning the process now ensures the LPA will be registered and ready to use when it is eventually needed.

Realistic Timeline Summary

Here is a realistic breakdown of how long each stage takes:

• Completing the form: 1–2 hours (with information ready)
• Collecting signatures: 1 day to 2–3 weeks (depending on availability)
• OPG registration: 8–10 weeks (mandatory processing period)
• Total minimum time: Approximately 10–14 weeks from start to registered LPA

The fastest possible timeline from beginning to end is around 10 weeks, assuming the form is completed and signed immediately and the OPG processes the registration without delays. Most people should allow 3 to 4 months for the complete process. To avoid common pitfalls that cause delays, see our guide on common reasons an LPA is rejected.

Key Questions on LPA Timelines

This guide was last reviewed and updated on 16 March 2026. Information is based on current legislation and OPG guidance for England and Wales.

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