Why professional help matters: Avoiding LPA rejections and protecting your future

Recent figures reveal a sharp rise in Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application rejections in England and Wales – and families are paying the price. According to an analysis of Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) data, the number of rejected LPA registrations surged 199% in 2024 compared with 2021, with 133,760 applications returned and families collectively out of pocket by an estimated £5 million in application fees alone.

LPAs are critical legal documents that allow you to appoint trusted individuals (known as attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to do so yourself. There are two types in England and Wales:

• Property & Financial Affairs LPAs – these allow your attorneys to manage your money and assets on your behalf. You can choose for this type of LPA to become effective upon registration with the OPG, rather than just when you lose mental capacity to handle your own affairs.
• Health & Welfare LPAs – these allow your attorneys to make decisions about care, treatment and daily living when you no longer have capacity to decide yourself.

However, despite the increasing number of people setting up LPAs, mistakes in the paperwork are causing many applications to be rejected – sometimes for surprisingly simple errors.

Why are LPAs being rejected?

LPA registration rejections often stem from avoidable mistakes such as:

• Illegible handwriting or unclear dates and names.
• Sections not being signed or dated in the correct order.
• Key information being placed in the wrong part of the form.
• Subjective decisions by reviewers at the OPG about whether the form meets their strict requirements.

Even small errors like these can trigger a rejection, forcing applicants to start the process again and pay another fee. With the increase in the LPA application fee from £82 to £92 in November 2025, getting it right first time has never been more important.

The value of instructing a solicitor

Many people assume that LPAs are simple to complete on their own – especially with online forms and government guidance available. However, the increasing volume of rejections demonstrates just how easy it is to fall foul of technical requirements. This is where professional legal support can make a real difference.

Here’s why instructing a solicitor is a wise investment in your legal and financial protection:

Reduce the risk of rejection

Solicitors are trained to prepare and review legal documents precisely, meaning fewer errors and a higher likelihood that your application will be accepted by the OPG. They understand the technical requirements, such as the correct order of signatures and ensuring information is clear and accurate, which are common stumbling blocks for DIY applicants.

Tailored legal advice

Each person’s circumstances are unique. A solicitor can help you:

• Choose the right type of LPA(s) for your needs
• Decide who should be appointed as your attorney(s)
• Draft bespoke instructions in a clear, legally effective way

This tailored advice ensures your LPA reflects your precise wishes and avoids unintended limitations on your attorneys’ powers.

Professional oversight and safeguards

Instructing a solicitor also helps safeguard against undue influence, fraud and coercion when appointing attorneys. Legal professionals are trained to spot red flags and ensure the document is created voluntarily and securely.

Peace of mind

Most importantly, professional assistance gives you confidence. With a solicitor handling the preparation and submission, you can be assured that your planning is robust, thereby reducing stress for you and your family at a time when it matters most.

Planning ahead means protection later

LPAs are about planning for the future. Whether you’re approaching later life, managing complex finances, or simply want to protect your health and welfare decisions, an LPA ensures that trusted people can act on your behalf when you need them to. Yet, as the latest data shows, the process is not as straightforward as it may seem and errors can be costly – both financially and emotionally.

Don’t let avoidable mistakes undo your careful planning. Instructing a solicitor can be the difference between a smooth registration and a rejected application that leaves your loved ones in legal limbo.

If you’re considering setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney, or you need help reviewing an existing one, our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to get it right, the first time.