LPA vs EPA
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
Enduring Powers of Attorney could no longer be created after 30 September 2007. If one was signed before then it is still valid, but it only covers money — never health.
The differences that matter
| EPA (pre-October 2007) | LPA (current) | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Property and finances only | Finances, and separately health and welfare |
| Registration | Only when capacity is lost or being lost | Must be registered before use |
| Certificate provider | Not required | Required |
| Can new ones be made? | No | Yes |
If you hold an EPA
- It remains valid and can still be registered with the OPG if the donor is losing capacity.
- It does nothing for health and welfare decisions, so the donor should make an LP1H while they still can.
- Registering an EPA requires notice to relatives, which is a different process from LPA registration.
Should you replace an EPA with an LPA?
Often yes, provided the donor still has capacity. A modern LPA can be used with the donor's consent before capacity is lost, uses wording banks recognise, and can be paired with a health and welfare LPA. Making a new financial LPA revokes the EPA only if you say so — take care to state your intention clearly, and see changing or cancelling an LPA.
Common questions
Can I still make an EPA?
No. Since 1 October 2007 the only option is a Lasting Power of Attorney.
Does an EPA cover care decisions?
No. EPAs are limited to property and financial affairs. A health and welfare LPA is the only way to appoint someone for care and treatment decisions.
Read next
Ready to make yours?
Answer five quick questions to see whether our service suits you. No account and no payment needed.
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