Power of Attorney for Elderly Parents UK: Complete Guide 2026
Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for an elderly parent is one of the most important legal steps a family can take. Without it, if your parent loses mental capacity through dementia, a stroke, or any other condition, you have no legal authority to manage their finances, make medical decisions, or arrange care on their behalf. Not even as their spouse or adult child.
The only alternative is applying to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, which takes 4 to 6 months, costs over £1,200 in the first year, and gives you less flexibility than an LPA. The time to act is before a crisis, not after.
This guide explains the two types of LPA, how much they cost in 2026, how long registration takes, and exactly what to do if your parent is reluctant, or has already lost the capacity to sign.