How to Revoke an LPA: Complete Guide to Cancelling

How to Revoke an LPA

You can cancel (revoke) your LPA at any time while you have mental capacity. Here's everything you need to know.

When Can You Revoke an LPA?

You CAN Revoke If:

• You still have mental capacity
• You've changed your mind about your attorneys
• Your circumstances have changed
• You want to make a new LPA with different terms
• You no longer need an LPA

You CANNOT Revoke If:

• You've lost mental capacity
• (In this case, only the Court of Protection can cancel it)

Reasons People Revoke LPAs

Common reasons include:

• Relationship breakdown with attorney
• Attorney has died or become incapable
• Want to appoint different people
• Divorce from attorney spouse
• Moving away from attorney
• Attorney's circumstances have changed
• Simply changed your mind

How to Revoke: Step by Step

Step 1: Decide Your Approach

Option A: Revoke and replace Create a new LPA first, then revoke the old one.

• Ensures you're never unprotected
• Recommended approach

Option B: Revoke only Cancel without replacement.

• Leaves you without LPA protection
• Only if you're certain you don't need one

Step 2: Create a Revocation Document

You can revoke by:

• Deed of revocation: A formal document
• Written statement: Signed and dated declaration
• Destroying the LPA: Physical destruction (less recommended—keep evidence)

Step 3: Notify Relevant Parties

You MUST notify:

• The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
• Your attorney(s)
• Anyone holding a certified copy

Step 4: Confirm with OPG

Complete form LPA005 (partial revocation) or write to OPG:

OPG Address: Office of the Public Guardian PO Box 16185 Birmingham B2 2WH

Include:

• Your full name and address
• Your date of birth
• The LPA registration number
• Clear statement that you're revoking the LPA
• Your signature

What to Include in a Revocation

A valid revocation should state:

• Your full name
• That you revoke the LPA
• Which LPA (Property & Financial, Health & Welfare, or both)
• The date
• Your signature (witnessed)

After Revocation

What Happens:

• LPA is marked as revoked on OPG register
• Attorneys lose all authority
• Original documents should be destroyed
• Any certified copies become invalid

What to Do:

• Notify any institutions that had copies (banks, etc.)
• Create a new LPA if you want protection
• Keep evidence of revocation

Partial Revocation

You can also partially revoke:

• Remove one attorney but keep others
• Revoke one type of LPA but keep the other
• Remove specific powers

This is more complex—consider professional advice.

Cost of Revocation

• Revocation itself: Free
• New LPA (if replacing): From £74 + £82 OPG fee

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Just tearing it up

Physical destruction alone may not be sufficient. Always notify OPG formally.

Mistake 2: Not notifying attorneys

Attorneys must know they no longer have authority.

Mistake 3: Forgetting certified copies

Banks and others may have copies—tell them.

Mistake 4: Revoking without replacement

You'll be unprotected. Make a new LPA first.

Can Attorneys Revoke?

Attorneys can't revoke YOUR LPA, but they can:

• Disclaim: Formally give up their role
• This removes them as attorney but doesn't cancel the whole LPA (if others remain)

What If You Lack Capacity?

If you no longer have capacity:

• You cannot revoke the LPA yourself
• Others can apply to Court of Protection
• Court can remove attorneys or cancel LPA
• Grounds needed: abuse, unsuitability, not acting in best interests

Create a New LPA →