How long does an LPA last?
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
For life, unless something ends it. There is no expiry date and nothing to renew.
No expiry, no renewal
Once registered, an LPA stays effective until the donor dies or it is revoked. An LPA made at 50 still works at 90. Organisations occasionally ask for a "recent" LPA, which has no legal basis — though very old documents attract more scrutiny.
Reasons to make a new one
- An attorney has died, moved abroad, fallen out with you or become unwell.
- You have divorced an attorney spouse, which removes them automatically unless the LPA says otherwise.
- Your circumstances have changed — a business, a second property, a new marriage.
- You want to change the instructions, which can never be amended on an existing LPA.
How to replace one
Make the new one, then revoke the old
A new LPA does not automatically cancel an earlier one. Sign and register the new LPA, then revoke the old one with a deed of revocation. See changing or cancelling an LPA.
Common questions
Should I review it every few years?
A five-yearly read-through is sensible, mainly to check your attorneys are still the right people.
Does an EPA still work?
Yes, if made before October 2007. See LPA vs EPA.
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This is general information about how Lasting Powers of Attorney work in England and Wales. It is not legal advice about your situation. What we do and do not do.
Published by Estate Advisory Group