LPA Signing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for signing your Lasting Power of Attorney correctly.
Important: Signing Order Matters
The LPA must be signed in the correct order. If signed out of order, the Office of the Public Guardian will reject your application and you'll need to start again. Follow this guide carefully.
The Correct Signing Order
You (the donor) must sign first. This confirms you understand the LPA and what powers you're giving.
Witness Requirements
- Must be witnessed by 1 independent person aged 18+
- Witness must watch you sign and then add their own signature
- Witness must provide their full name and address
Who can be a witness? Any adult who is not an attorney named in the LPA. A friend, neighbour, or colleague is fine. Family members who are not attorneys can witness.
Your certificate provider signs after you. They confirm you understand the LPA and are not being pressured into making it.
Certificate Provider Must Confirm
- The donor understands the purpose and scope of the LPA
- No one is putting pressure on the donor to make the LPA
- There is no fraud or undue pressure
No witness needed. The certificate provider signs alone - no witness is required for their signature.
Each attorney signs after the certificate provider. They confirm they understand their responsibilities and agree to act in your best interests.
Witness Requirements for Each Attorney
- Each attorney's signature must be witnessed
- The donor CANNOT witness an attorney's signature
- Another attorney CAN witness (but use different witnesses if possible)
Tip: If you have multiple attorneys, they can sign on different days - they don't need to be together. But they must all sign AFTER the certificate provider.
If you named replacement attorneys, they sign in the same way as the main attorneys. Each needs a witness (not the donor).
Optional: If you didn't name replacement attorneys, skip this step.
Quick Reference: Signing Order
Donor
+ 1 witness
Certificate Provider
No witness
Attorney(s)
+ 1 witness each
Replacement
+ 1 witness each
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Signing out of order
Always follow: Donor → Certificate Provider → Attorneys → Replacement Attorneys
Donor witnessing an attorney's signature
The donor can NEVER witness. Use a friend, neighbour, or colleague instead.
Using dated signatures
Write today's date when you actually sign. Don't pre-date or back-date.
Missing witness details
Witnesses must provide their full name, address, and signature.
Stapling the pages
Do not staple. Keep pages loose or use a paper clip.
Printing double-sided
Print single-sided on A4 paper only.
Sending to OPG
What to include in your envelope:
- All pages of the signed LPA (do not staple)
- Registration fee of £82 per LPA (cheque payable to "Office of the Public Guardian")
- Fee exemption form if applicable
Send to:
Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH