Common LPA Mistakes That Get Your Application Rejected

Common LPA Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) rejects thousands of LPA applications every year. Most rejections are due to simple, preventable mistakes. Here's how to avoid them.

Top 10 LPA Mistakes

1. Signing in the Wrong Order

The mistake: Attorneys or certificate providers signing before the donor.

The rule: The donor MUST sign first, then the certificate provider, then the attorneys.

How to avoid: Follow the signing checklist carefully. Don't let anyone sign until the previous person has.

2. Missing or Incorrect Dates

The mistake: Leaving dates blank, using wrong format, or dates that don't follow the correct order.

The rule: All dates must be in DD/MM/YYYY format, and follow the signing order.

How to avoid: Double-check every date before submitting.

3. Witness Issues

Common problems:

• Witness not present when person signed
• Witness is also named as attorney
• Witness details incomplete
• Same witness for donor and certificate provider's signature

The rule: Witnesses must be 18+, be physically present, and cannot be attorneys named in the LPA.

4. Certificate Provider Problems

Common problems:

• Certificate provider doesn't meet requirements
• Certificate provider is a family member of the donor
• Certificate provider hasn't known the donor long enough
• Certificate provider is an attorney named in the LPA

The rule: Must be either a professional OR have known the donor personally for 2+ years, and cannot be a family member or named attorney.

5. Incorrect Personal Details

Common problems:

• Name doesn't match ID
• Wrong date of birth
• Address errors
• Missing middle names that appear on official documents

How to avoid: Check details against official ID before submitting.

6. Continuation Sheets Not Completed Properly

The mistake: Using continuation sheets but not signing them properly or not referencing them correctly.

The rule: Every continuation sheet must be signed and dated by the donor, and referenced in the main form.

7. Using Correction Fluid or Tape

The mistake: Using Tipp-Ex or correction tape to fix errors.

The rule: Never use correction fluid. Cross out errors neatly and initial.

How to avoid: If there are many errors, start again with a fresh form.

8. Not Paying the Correct Fee

Current fees:

• Standard: £82 per LPA
• Reduced (low income): £41 per LPA
• Exempt (certain benefits): £0

The mistake: Paying the wrong amount or not including proof of exemption/reduction.

9. Preferences vs Restrictions Confusion

The mistake: Writing binding restrictions in the preferences section, or vice versa.

The difference:

• Preferences: Wishes the attorney SHOULD follow but aren't legally binding
• Restrictions: Rules the attorney MUST follow—legally binding

10. Joint vs Joint and Several Confusion

The mistake: Choosing the wrong option for how multiple attorneys work together.

Joint: All must agree on everything (if one can't act, LPA fails) Joint and Several: Can act together or independently (more flexible)

How to Avoid Rejection

Use a Checklist

Before submitting, verify:

• [ ] All sections completed
• [ ] Signed in correct order
• [ ] All dates present and correct
• [ ] Witnesses meet requirements
• [ ] Certificate provider qualifies
• [ ] Correct fee included
• [ ] All names match official ID

Consider Professional Help

Services like myLPA check your application before submission, catching errors before they cause rejection.

What Happens If Your LPA Is Rejected?

OPG sends a letter explaining the problem

You may be able to fix minor errors without restarting

For major errors, you'll need to complete a new application

Fees may not be refunded depending on the error

Rejection vs Imperfection

Not every issue causes rejection. The OPG may:

• Accept with minor imperfections (small errors that don't affect validity)
• Request clarification (ask for additional information)
• Reject and return (serious errors requiring new application)

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