Who can see my LPA?
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
Written and legally reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner·Last reviewed 13 August 2026
Not a public document, but not entirely private either. The register exists so organisations can check.
Who has access
- You, as donor, and your attorneys.
- Anyone you give a certified copy or an access code to.
- The OPG and, if involved, the Court of Protection.
- Anyone who applies to the OPG with a legitimate interest, in limited form.
The OPG register
A search of the register can confirm whether an LPA exists and who the attorneys are. It does not publish your instructions or your financial details. Organisations increasingly use the use an LPA service with a code you provide, so no paper changes hands.
Keeping control
- Give access codes rather than copies where the organisation supports it.
- Codes can be reissued if you want to stop an organisation viewing it.
- Keep a note of which providers hold certified copies.
- Tell providers immediately if the LPA is revoked.
Revocation and third parties
A revoked LPA that a bank still holds a copy of can cause problems. Notify every provider in writing when you cancel.
Common questions
Can my family find out if I made an LPA?
Someone with a legitimate interest can search the register, and anyone you named to notify will have been told at registration.
Does the register show my instructions?
No. Detailed content is only visible to those you give a copy or a code to.
Read next
Where this fits
This page is part of LPA basics. The pages below take it further.
- Make an LPA online
The whole journey end to end: questions, documents, signing and registration.
- Solicitor, GOV.UK or online?
An honest comparison, including when you genuinely should pay a solicitor.
Review and sources
Reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner. Last reviewed 13 August 2026. We recheck fees, forms and Office of the Public Guardian guidance whenever they change — see our editorial policy.
Official sources
Ready to make your LPA?
Answer five quick questions to check the service suits you, then start online for £49 per LPA.
The Office of the Public Guardian charges a separate £92 to register each LPA.
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