LPA Forms Explained: LP1F, LP1H and What You Actually Need

LPA Forms Explained: Everything About LP1F, LP1H and the Paperwork

If you've started looking into creating a Lasting Power of Attorney, you've probably encountered mentions of "LP1F" and "LP1H" forms. This guide explains what these forms are, what they contain, and whether you actually need to deal with them yourself.

The Two Official LPA Forms

LP1F: Property and Financial Affairs LPA

What it is: The official form for creating a Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney.

What it covers:

• Managing bank accounts
• Paying bills
• Dealing with property
• Handling investments
• Financial decisions generally

Length: 20+ pages of questions and legal declarations

LP1H: Health and Welfare LPA

What it is: The official form for creating a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney.

What it covers:

• Medical treatment decisions
• Care arrangements
• Where you live
• Daily welfare decisions
• End of life decisions (if specified)

Length: 20+ pages of questions and legal declarations

Why Two Forms?

Because they're completely separate legal documents. Even if you want both types of LPA, you complete two different forms and pay two registration fees.

What's Actually in the Forms?

Section 1: The Donor

Information about you (the person making the LPA):

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Other names you've been known by

Section 2: The Attorneys

Information about your chosen attorneys:

• Names and addresses
• Dates of birth
• How they should make decisions (jointly, severally, or mixed)

Section 3: Replacement Attorneys

Backup attorneys if your main choices can't act:

• Who they are
• When they step in
• How they should act

Section 4: When the LPA Can Be Used

For LP1F (Property & Financial):

• As soon as registered, OR
• Only when you lose capacity

For LP1H (Health & Welfare):

• Only when you lose capacity (this is fixed)

Section 5: Restrictions and Conditions

Any limits you want to place on your attorneys:

• Specific instructions
• Things they must or mustn't do
• Guidance for decisions

Section 6: Preferences (Optional)

Non-binding guidance for your attorneys:

• Your wishes and values
• How you'd like things handled
• Information to help them

Section 7: Life-Sustaining Treatment (LP1H Only)

Critical section: Do you give your attorney authority to refuse life-sustaining treatment on your behalf?

• Option A: Yes, they can make these decisions
• Option B: No, they cannot

Section 8: Who to Notify

People who should be told when the LPA is registered:

• Up to 5 "named persons"
• They get the chance to object
• Optional but recommended

Section 9: Your Signature

You sign to confirm:

• You understand what you're doing
• You want to create this LPA
• Everything is accurate

Must be witnessed (not by an attorney)

Section 10: Certificate Provider

Someone confirms you understand and aren't being pressured:

• Either someone who's known you 2+ years
• Or a professional (doctor, solicitor, etc.)

Section 11: Attorney Signatures

Each attorney signs to confirm they:

• Accept the role
• Understand their duties
• Will act properly

Section 12: Registration

Separate section for registering with the OPG

The Challenge of DIY Forms

They're Long and Complex

Each form is 20+ pages of legal questions. One wrong answer or missed section means rejection.

Common Mistakes

1. Signing errors

• Signing in the wrong order
• Missing witness signatures
• Using the wrong type of signature

2. Date problems

• Dates in wrong format
• Signing out of sequence
• Inconsistent dates

3. Address issues

• Incomplete addresses
• Addresses not matching
• Missing postcodes

4. Attorney declaration errors

• Incomplete sections
• Missing signatures
• Wrong witness details

5. Certificate provider problems

• Unqualified person signing
• Missing details
• Inadequate statement

Rejection Rates

A significant percentage of DIY applications are rejected due to errors. Each rejection means:

• Starting again
• More time
• More stress
• Delayed protection

The Online Alternative

How Online Services Work

Instead of filling in complex forms yourself:

Answer simple questions

- Plain English, not legal jargon - Guided step by step - Validation prevents errors

Service prepares forms

- Professionally completed - All sections correct - Proper formatting

You sign prepared documents

- Clear instructions - Right places marked - Proper sequence explained

Service handles registration

- Submitted correctly - Issues resolved - Tracking provided

Advantages of Online Services

Factor

DIY Forms

Online Service

Time	Hours	15 minutes
Error risk	High	Low
Rejection rate	Higher	Much lower
Support	None	Available
Cost	Free + £82	£74-140 + £82
Stress	High	Low

Is the Cost Worth It?

DIY is free (plus £82 registration)

Online services cost £74-140 (plus £82 registration)

Consider:

• Your time has value
• Rejected applications waste time
• Stress has a cost
• Getting it right matters

For most people, paying for professional preparation is worthwhile.

Where to Get LPA Forms

Option 1: Government Website

Download forms from gov.uk:

• LP1F for Property & Financial
• LP1H for Health & Welfare
• Guidance documents
• Continuation sheets

Cost: Free Support: Online guidance only

Option 2: OPG Direct

Order paper forms by post:

• Call OPG: 0300 456 0300
• Request forms be mailed
• Takes a few days

Cost: Free Support: Phone helpline

Option 3: Online LPA Service

Use a service like myLPA:

• Guided question process
• Forms prepared for you
• Support available

Cost: £74-140 Support: Full customer service

If You Use DIY Forms: Tips

Before You Start

Read all guidance first

- Don't rush into the forms - Understand what's needed - Note requirements

Gather information

- Everyone's full names - Addresses and postcodes - Dates of birth

Plan your choices

- Who will be attorneys? - How will they act? - Any restrictions?

While Completing

Use black ink

- Required for processing - No pencil - No blue ink

Don't use correction fluid

- Cross out errors neatly - Initial corrections - Start again if messy

Complete every section

- Even if just "N/A" - Don't leave blanks - Follow instructions exactly

Sign in the right order

- Donor first - Then certificate provider - Then attorneys - Order matters legally

After Completing

Check everything

- Review all sections - Verify all signatures present - Confirm dates are correct

Make copies

- Before posting - You'll need them later - Store safely

Send securely

- Tracked postage - Don't fold excessively - Include correct fee

What About the Digital LPA Process?

The Hybrid Approach

The government is modernising LPAs:

• Apply online
• Some sections digital
• Still requires wet signatures (for now)
• Increasingly streamlined

Using the Government Online Service

You can start an LPA online at gov.uk:

• Guided questions
• Form generated
• Print for signing
• Post for registration

Advantages:

• Free to create
• Some validation built in
• Saves your progress

Disadvantages:

• Still need to print and post
• No personal support
• Still complex

Professional Online Services

Services like myLPA go further:

• Complete preparation
• Error checking
• Support if stuck
• Handle submission

The extra cost often saves time and stress.

Continuation Sheets

What They're For

If you run out of space on the main form for:

• Additional attorneys
• More replacement attorneys
• Longer restrictions or preferences
• Named persons beyond the form's spaces

How to Use Them

• Use official continuation sheets (available from OPG)
• Reference which section continues
• Sign and date
• Attach securely

When to Use Online Instead

If you have complex requirements (multiple attorneys, detailed restrictions), an online service handles this automatically. Much easier than managing continuation sheets.

Summary: Your Options

Option A: DIY with Paper Forms

Best for:

• Very simple LPAs
• Those with time and patience
• Cost-sensitive applicants
• Those comfortable with complex forms

Get forms from: gov.uk or call OPG

Option B: Government Online Service

Best for:

• Those comfortable with technology
• Simple to moderate complexity
• Those wanting some guidance
• Cost-sensitive applicants

Access at: gov.uk

Option C: Professional Online Service

Best for:

• Most people
• Those valuing time
• Those wanting support
• Those wanting it done right

Cost: £74-140 + registration fees

Create Your LPA the Easy Way →