How to Cancel Power of Attorney: Revocation Guide

How to Cancel Power of Attorney: Revocation Guide

If you created an LPA and want to cancel it, you can do so while you still have mental capacity. Here is how.

Who Can Cancel an LPA?

The donor (person who made it):

• Can cancel at any time while they have capacity
• Full control over revocation

The attorney:

• Cannot cancel the LPA
• Can resign (stop being attorney)
• This is different from cancellation

When You Might Cancel

Common reasons:

• Relationship with attorney has changed
• You want to appoint different attorneys
• Circumstances have changed
• You no longer need an LPA (rare)

The Cancellation Process

For a registered LPA:

Step 1: Complete a deed of revocation This is a written statement revoking the LPA. It must include:

• Your name and address
• Details of the LPA being revoked
• Clear statement that you revoke it
• Your signature
• Witness signature

Step 2: Notify the OPG Send the deed of revocation to the Office of the Public Guardian. They will update their records.

Step 3: Notify the attorney(s) Inform everyone named as attorney that the LPA is revoked.

Step 4: Notify organisations Tell banks and other organisations that were using the LPA.

For Unregistered LPAs

If the LPA was never registered:

• You can simply destroy it
• Notify attorneys it is cancelled
• No need to notify OPG

However, creating a written revocation is still recommended for clarity.

Important Considerations

Mental capacity: You must have mental capacity to revoke. If you lack capacity, you cannot cancel your own LPA.

Creating a new LPA: If you want different attorneys, create a new LPA. The new LPA does not automatically cancel the old one—you should formally revoke the old one.

Partial revocation: You can remove one attorney while keeping others, in some circumstances. This is complex—seek advice.

What Happens After Revocation

• The LPA has no legal effect
• Former attorneys cannot act on your behalf
• Organisations should stop accepting the LPA
• You are responsible for your own affairs again

If You Change Your Mind

Once revoked, that LPA is gone. You would need to create a completely new LPA if you want power of attorney arrangements again.

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Need to Create a New LPA?

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