Should You Create Both Types of LPA?
For complete protection, having both a financial and a health LPA is strongly recommended — here is why.
Written by James Tyrrell · Reviewed by Anthony Dalton · Last reviewed
A common misconception is that one LPA covers everything. It does not. There are two types — a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA — and each covers a completely different area of your life. Having only one leaves a significant gap in your protection. This guide explains what each type covers, why both are needed, and how to approach creating them.
At a glance
- Yes, creating both types of LPA is strongly recommended — each covers a completely different area of your life
- Registering both costs £184 in total (£92 per LPA), with fee reductions available on low incomes
- You can appoint different attorneys for each type based on their strengths
- Having only one type means your family may need a costly Court of Protection application for the area not covered
What Each Type of LPA Covers
The two types of LPA are entirely separate legal documents, each granting authority over different aspects of your life:
Property & Financial Affairs
- Managing bank accounts and savings
- Paying bills and managing debts
- Buying, selling, or renting property
- Managing investments and pensions
- Dealing with tax affairs
- Running a business (if authorised)
Health & Welfare
- Deciding where you live
- Day-to-day care and routine
- Medical treatment decisions
- Diet, dress, and daily activities
- Contact with specific people
- Life-sustaining treatment (if authorised)
As you can see, these are entirely different domains. Your finances and your personal welfare are both critically important, and if you lose mental capacity, decisions will need to be made in both areas. Having only one LPA means that for the uncovered area, either nobody will be able to act on your behalf, or your family will need to make an expensive application to the Court of Protection.
What Happens If You Only Have One Type of LPA?
Our guide on what happens if you have only one type of LPA explores this in detail, but here is a summary of the key risks:
- Financial LPA only — your attorney can manage your money, but nobody you have chosen can make decisions about your medical treatment, where you live, or your daily care. These decisions will be made by healthcare professionals and social services without your family's formal input
- Health and Welfare LPA only — your attorney can make care and treatment decisions, but nobody can access your bank accounts, pay your bills, or manage your property. Your finances may fall into disarray while your family applies for a financial deputyship through the court
Neither situation is desirable. The whole purpose of an LPA is to ensure that someone you trust can step in and manage your affairs seamlessly. Having only one type defeats half of that purpose.
Key point: Having one type of LPA is better than having none, but having both types gives you complete protection across all areas of your life.
The Cost of Creating Both
One of the most common reasons people hesitate to create both types of LPA is cost. However, the registration fees are very reasonable:
- One LPA: £92 registration fee
- Both LPAs: £184 total registration fees
- Fee reduction: if you earn less than £12,000 per year, the fee is reduced to £46 per LPA
- Fee exemption: if you receive certain means-tested benefits (such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit), the fee may be waived entirely
Compare this to the alternative. If your family needs to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship because you do not have the right type of LPA, the costs include:
- Court application fee: £371
- Assessment fee: £100
- Solicitor's fees: typically £1,000 to £3,000+
- Annual supervision fee: £320 per year
- Security bond premium: varies
The £184 for both LPAs is a fraction of what a single deputyship application costs, making it one of the most cost-effective pieces of legal planning available. For full details on costs, see our LPA cost guide.
Can You Appoint Different Attorneys for Each LPA?
Yes, and this is one of the advantages of having two separate LPAs. You do not need to appoint the same person for both. Many people choose different attorneys for each type based on different strengths:
- For the Property and Financial Affairs LPA — you might choose someone who is financially organised, numerate, and experienced in managing money. This could be a family member with business experience, an accountant, or a trusted professional
- For the Health and Welfare LPA — you might choose someone who is compassionate, understands your values and wishes, and would be a strong advocate for your care preferences. This is often a close family member or partner
You can also appoint the same person for both if you prefer simplicity and trust them with both sets of decisions. There is no requirement either way — the choice is entirely yours.
You can tailor each LPA to the person best suited to the role — financial expertise for one, personal knowledge and empathy for the other.
Creating Both LPAs at the Same Time
The most efficient approach is to create both LPAs at the same time. This has several practical advantages:
- You only need to go through the planning process once — choosing attorneys, certificate providers, and persons to notify
- Your certificate provider can confirm your capacity and understanding for both documents in a single meeting
- Signing and witnessing can be done for both LPAs at the same session
- Both LPAs can be submitted to the OPG for registration together
- Services like UKLPA offer guidance for creating both types, making the process straightforward and affordable
If you have already created one type of LPA, it is never too late to create the second — provided you still have mental capacity. There is no rule that says both must be created at the same time.
Who Should Prioritise Having Both Types of LPA?
Both types of LPA are recommended for everyone, but for certain groups it is especially pressing:
- Older adults — the risk of conditions like dementia increases with age, making it more likely that both types of LPA will be needed
- People with significant assets — if you own property, have savings, or run a business, a financial LPA is essential alongside a health LPA
- People with chronic health conditions — conditions that may affect mental capacity over time make both types particularly important
- Married couples and partners — each partner should have both types, as one partner's incapacity affects both their financial and care arrangements
- Parents of young children — ensuring that both financial and personal welfare decisions can be made if something happens to you
- Business owners — a financial LPA can include authority over business decisions, while a health LPA ensures personal care is also covered
In truth, anyone over the age of 18 with mental capacity should consider creating both types of LPA. Accidents and illnesses can affect anyone at any age, and the cost of creating both is minimal compared to the cost of not having them when they are needed.
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Key Takeaways
- One LPA does not cover everything — a Property and Financial Affairs LPA handles money and assets; a Health and Welfare LPA handles care and medical decisions
- Having only one creates a gap — without the right type of LPA, your family may need an expensive deputyship application for the uncovered area
- You can choose different attorneys for each — pick someone financially experienced for one and someone who understands your values for the other
- Creating both together is the most efficient approach — signing, witnessing, and registration can all be done in a single process
- The cost is modest — £184 for both LPA registrations is a fraction of a single deputyship application
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register both types of LPA?
The OPG registration fee is £92 per LPA, so registering both types costs £184 in total. Fee reductions are available if you earn less than £12,000 per year, and fees may be waived entirely if you receive certain means-tested benefits.
Do I have to appoint the same attorney for both LPAs?
No, you can appoint different attorneys for each type. Many people choose someone financially experienced for the Property and Financial Affairs LPA and someone compassionate and familiar with their personal values for the Health and Welfare LPA.
Can I create the second LPA later if I only make one now?
Yes, you can create the second LPA at any time, provided you still have mental capacity. However, creating both at the same time is more efficient as you only need to go through the planning, signing, and registration process once.
This guide was last reviewed and updated on . Information is based on current legislation and OPG guidance for England and Wales.
Official Guidance
Further reading from GOV.UK
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