What Questions Are Asked When Creating an LPA?
A section-by-section walkthrough of everything you'll be asked when filling in your Lasting Power of Attorney.
Written by Anthony Dalton · Reviewed by James Tyrrell · Last reviewed
If you are putting off creating an LPA because the form feels intimidating, you are not alone. The good news is that the questions are straightforward once you know what to expect. Whether you use the government's OPG tool or a guided service like UKLPA.co.uk, the questions follow a similar structure. Here is a section-by-section walkthrough so you can prepare with confidence. For official information, see GOV.UK LPA forms guidance.
At a glance
- The LPA form asks about your personal details, your chosen attorneys, replacement attorneys, preferences, instructions, and certificate provider
- Most people complete the form in one to two hours if they have key details to hand
- Preferences and instructions sections are optional but valuable for guiding your attorneys
- You can save progress and return later — there is no need to finish in one sitting
Section 1: Type of LPA
The first question is which type of LPA you want to create. There are two types:
- Property and Financial Affairs – Covers decisions about your money, property, bills, investments, pensions, and benefits.
- Health and Welfare – Covers decisions about your medical treatment, care, daily routine, diet, and where you live.
Most people choose to create both types. Each requires a separate LPA document with its own registration fee of £92.
Section 2: About You (The Donor)
You will be asked for your personal details:
- Your full legal name
- Any other names you have been known by (maiden name, former name, etc.)
- Your date of birth
- Your current home address
- Your email address and telephone number
For a full list of information to have ready, see our guide on what information is needed to create an LPA.
Section 3: Your Attorneys
This is one of the most important sections. You will be asked:
- Who are your attorneys? – For each attorney, you provide their full name, date of birth, address, and relationship to you.
- How many attorneys? – You can appoint one or more. Most people appoint between one and four attorneys.
- How should they act together? – If you appoint more than one attorney, you must choose:
- Jointly – All attorneys must agree on every decision. If one cannot act, the LPA may fail.
- Jointly and severally – Attorneys can act together or independently. This is the most flexible and commonly chosen option.
- Jointly for some, severally for others – You specify which decisions require all attorneys and which can be made by any one of them.
Section 4: Replacement Attorneys
You will be asked whether you want to appoint replacement attorneys. These are people who step in if one or more of your original attorneys can no longer act. Appointing replacements is optional but strongly recommended. You provide the same details as for your main attorneys.
Section 5: Your Preferences and Instructions for Attorneys
This section is where you can provide guidance to your attorneys about how you want decisions to be made. You will be asked:
- Preferences – These are wishes your attorneys should consider but are not legally bound to follow. For example: "I would prefer to stay in my own home for as long as possible" or "I would like to continue supporting the charities I currently donate to."
- Instructions – These are binding restrictions your attorneys must follow. For example: "My attorneys must not sell my house without the agreement of all attorneys" or "My attorneys must keep my finances separate from their own."
Key point: You do not have to include any preferences or instructions — these sections are entirely optional. But they are a valuable opportunity to ensure your attorneys understand your wishes.
Section 6: Life-Sustaining Treatment (Health and Welfare LPA Only)
If you are creating a Health and Welfare LPA, you will be asked a critically important question: do you want your attorneys to have the authority to give or refuse consent to life-sustaining treatment on your behalf?
This covers treatments that are needed to keep you alive, such as ventilation, CPR, or artificial nutrition. You can choose to give your attorneys this power or withhold it. If you withhold it, medical professionals will make these decisions in your best interests. This is a deeply personal decision that many people find helpful to discuss with their family and doctor.
Section 7: Certificate Provider
You will be asked to name your certificate provider and provide their details. The certificate provider is an independent person who must confirm that you understand the LPA and that nobody is pressuring you. You need to provide their name, address, and how they know you (or their professional qualification).
For details on who can fill this role, see our guide on what a certificate provider is.
Section 8: People to Notify
You can optionally name up to five people who should be informed when your LPA is submitted for registration. These people have the opportunity to object if they have concerns. You need to provide their name and address. This is an additional safeguard and is not compulsory.
Section 9: Reviewing and Confirming Your LPA Details
The final section asks you to review all the information you have provided and confirm that it is correct. This is your opportunity to check for any errors before the document is finalised. Once you are satisfied, the LPA document is generated and ready for printing and signing.
For the full step-by-step process including signing and registration, see our guide on how to make an LPA in the UK.
How Long Does It Take?
Most people can answer all the questions in one to two hours if they have the necessary information to hand. You can save your progress and return later if you need time to think about your choices or gather details from your chosen attorneys.
If you're ready to get started, our step-by-step guided service walks you through every stage. See our pricing for details.
Key Takeaways
- Have attorney details ready — you will need full names, dates of birth, and addresses for every attorney and replacement attorney
- Decide how attorneys work together — jointly (all must agree), jointly and severally (can act independently), or a combination
- Instructions are binding; preferences are not — use instructions for rules your attorneys must follow and preferences for wishes they should consider
- The certificate provider is a safeguard — an independent person who confirms you understand the LPA and are not under pressure
- Signing order matters — donor signs first, then certificate provider, then attorneys; getting this wrong is a common reason for rejection
What You Need to Know
Do I need to have all the information ready before I start the LPA form?
It helps to have key details to hand, such as your attorneys' full names, dates of birth, and addresses. However, most online services allow you to save your progress and return later, so you do not need everything ready at once.
Can I leave the preferences and instructions sections blank?
Yes, both sections are entirely optional. Many people choose not to include any preferences or instructions, and the LPA will still be valid. However, adding them can help guide your attorneys on how you want decisions to be made.
How long does it take to fill in an LPA form?
Most people can complete the form in one to two hours if they have the necessary information ready. You can save your progress and come back to it, so there is no need to finish it in a single sitting.
This guide was last reviewed and updated on . Information is based on current legislation and OPG guidance for England and Wales.
Official Guidance
Government guidance on GOV.UK
Take the First Step Today
Creating an LPA is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family.
