What are the five types of Power of Attorney

Chris Watts, Will Writer at Fern Wills & LPAs

Last verified: 18 September 2025 (England & Wales)

Quick-read summary

Many people know about Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). Fewer realise there are five main types of Power of Attorney in England & Wales — each serving a different purpose. Some are modern essentials, others are older but still valid, and one is a quick-fix option that often gets overlooked. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right protection for yourself, your family, or your business.

Practical checklist

Here’s when each might matter:

• ✅ Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA): when you want peace of mind if you lose capacity.
• ✅ General Power of Attorney (GPA): when you’re abroad, recovering from surgery, or need a stop-gap while waiting for an LPA to register.
• ✅ Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA): if you already have one made before 1 October 2007, it can still be valid.
• ✅ Business/Commercial LPA: if you’re a business owner and want your business to keep running if you can’t act.
• ✅ Health & Welfare / Property & Financial Affairs LPAs: the two main sub-types of modern LPAs, covering care and money.

What to consider

1. Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

The backbone of modern planning. These come in two forms:

• Health & Welfare LPA: covers decisions about your health, care, and daily living. Relatives get a stronger say, rather than doctors deciding alone.
• Property & Financial Affairs LPA: covers your money, property, bills, and investments. Lets your family step in quickly without banks or utility companies blocking them.

2. General Power of Attorney (GPA)

Also called an Ordinary Power of Attorney. Useful if you have capacity but need help temporarily — for example:

• paying bills while abroad,
• recovering from surgery,
• supporting the 20-week wait while an LPA is being registered.

It’s quick, affordable, and valid until you revoke it, lose capacity, or pass away. Less common than LPAs but handy in the right context.

3. Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)

Now phased out. Replaced by LPAs in 2007, but older EPAs remain valid if registered before that date. They only cover property and finances.

4. Business/Commercial LPA

Technically, a form of Property & Financial LPA, drafted to cover only business affairs. Keeps a business “open for business” if you’re unable to act. For example, it can allow attorneys to manage business accounts but not personal accounts.

How this works in real life

• Mr Davis made no LPA. After a stroke, the Local Authority had to step in. His home was cleared at a cost of around £12,500, and because it stood empty, the sale price fell by a further £12,000. That financial hit could have been avoided with a simple LPA.
• Mrs Cole was waiting for her LPA to be registered but needed help paying bills while recovering from surgery. A short General Power of Attorney covered the gap smoothly.

FAQs

Can I make an LPA on my own?

Yes, but around 10,000 DIY applications are rejected each month. Mistakes can mean lost fees and no cover in place when you most need it.

Are LPAs recognised abroad?

Not formally. Some countries accept them with extra authentication, such as an apostille or notarisation.

Can I change or revoke an LPA?

Not once registered. The formal process is to revoke and start again — Fern Wills can handle the notices and forms for you.

What about “good days” if I have dementia?

While you retain capacity, you keep making your own decisions. An LPA only activates when you cannot.

Do I still need a Will if I have an LPA?

Yes. LPAs cover your lifetime, Wills cover after death. They work hand in hand.

Optional Technical Notes (for those who want the detail…)

• LPAs introduced by the Mental Capacity Act 2005; effective 2007.
• GPA governed by the Powers of Attorney Act 1971.
• EPAs governed by the Enduring Powers of Attorney Act 1985 (phased out 2007).
• Apostille costs and notary fees vary; common ranges £125–£150 plus £30 for apostille.

Next steps

Deciding which Power of Attorney is right for you can be confusing. Most people benefit from the two main LPAs, with GPAs used as short-term support and Business LPAs for owners who want continuity.📞 Contact Fern Wills & LPAs today to discuss the right option for you.

Sources & further reading:

• gov.uk: Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney
• Age UK: Powers of Attorney
• Mental Capacity Act 2005, Powers of Attorney Act 1971, Enduring Powers of Attorney Act 1985.