How Long Does a Lasting Power of Attorney Last?

LPA Duration: The Simple Answer

A registered Lasting Power of Attorney does not expire. Once registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, it remains valid indefinitely until one of a few specific circumstances ends it.

When an LPA Ends

1. You Revoke It

As long as you have mental capacity, you can cancel (revoke) your LPA at any time. You might do this because:

• You want to change your attorneys
• Your relationship with your attorney has changed
• You want to update your preferences
• Your circumstances have changed

2. You Die

LPAs end on the donor's death. Your attorneys' authority ends immediately—they cannot manage your estate after death (that's the executor's job under your Will).

3. Your Attorney Dies or Loses Capacity

If your only attorney dies or loses capacity, the LPA can no longer be used. This is why replacement attorneys are so important.

If you have multiple attorneys acting:

• Jointly: The LPA ends if one attorney can't act
• Jointly and Severally: Remaining attorneys can continue

4. Your Attorney Loses Eligibility

For Property and Financial Affairs LPAs, if your attorney becomes bankrupt, they can no longer act on financial matters.

5. The Court Cancels It

The Court of Protection can cancel an LPA if:

• It was obtained through fraud or pressure
• The attorney isn't acting in your best interests
• There are serious concerns about the attorney's conduct

6. Divorce (in some cases)

If your attorney is your spouse or civil partner and you divorce:

• They're automatically removed as an attorney
• Unless you specified otherwise in the LPA
• Replacement attorneys would then step in

LPAs Don't Need Renewing

Unlike some legal documents, LPAs don't need periodic renewal. An LPA created in 2010 is just as valid as one created in 2026 (as long as it was registered).

However, you might want to create new LPAs if:

• Your original attorneys are no longer appropriate
• Your preferences have significantly changed
• You want to add or change instructions
• Your family circumstances have changed

Reviewing Your LPA

While LPAs don't expire, we recommend reviewing them:

• Every 5-10 years
• After major life changes (marriage, divorce, death in family)
• When attorneys' circumstances change
• If your health situation changes

Remember: you can only make changes while you have mental capacity.

What About Old EPAs?

Enduring Powers of Attorney (created before October 2007) also don't expire. However:

• They only cover financial matters
• They must be registered when you lose capacity
• You might want to replace them with modern LPAs for better coverage

Plan for the Long Term

Creating an LPA is a long-term decision. Choose attorneys who will be appropriate not just now, but potentially decades into the future. Consider:

• Age of your attorneys
• Their own health
• Geographic proximity
• Long-term relationships

Secure Your Future Today

Your LPA is designed to last a lifetime. Make sure it's set up correctly from the start with myLPA.

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