Recent data highlights a significant increase in rejected Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) applications across England and Wales, with thousands of families facing unnecessary delays and wasted costs as a result.

Analysis of figures from the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) shows that LPA registration rejections rose by almost 200% between 2021 and 2024. In 2024 alone, over 133,000 applications were returned, with applicants collectively losing an estimated £5 million in application fees. For many, this comes on top of the stress of having to correct errors and restart the process from scratch.

LPAs are vital legal documents that allow you to nominate trusted individuals, known as attorneys, to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so yourself. In England and Wales, there are two distinct types:
1. Property and Financial Affairs LPA: enabling your attorneys to manage your finances, such as paying bills, dealing with bank accounts, or selling property. You can choose for this LPA to take effect as soon as it is registered, even while you still have capacity.
2. Health and Welfare LPA: This covers decisions about your care, medical treatment and day-to-day living arrangements but is only effective if you lose mental capacity.

Despite more people recognising the importance of putting LPAs in place, a growing number of applications are being rejected, often due to surprisingly minor mistakes.

Why are so many LPA applications rejected?

Most rejections arise from technical issues rather than complex legal problems. Common causes include:

• Handwriting that is unclear or difficult to read
• Incorrect or inconsistent dates and names
• Forms being signed or witnessed in the wrong order
• Information being entered in the incorrect section
• The OPG determining that parts of the form do not meet their strict formal requirements

Even small errors can invalidate the application. When this happens, applicants are usually required to submit a fresh application and pay the fee again. With the LPA registration fee increasing from £82 to £92 in November 2025, mistakes are becoming increasingly expensive.

Why using a solicitor can make all the difference

Although it is possible to complete LPA forms without legal assistance, the sharp rise in rejected applications shows just how easy it is to fall short of the OPG’s requirements. Instructing a lawyer can significantly reduce that risk.

Minimising the chance of rejection

Lawyers are experienced in preparing LPAs correctly and understand the precise formalities involved. This includes ensuring signatures are completed in the correct order, dates are accurate, and the document is internally consistent — all common problem areas for DIY applications.

Advice tailored to your circumstances

A lawyer will take the time to understand your situation and help you:

• Decide which type (or types) of LPA you need
• Choose suitable attorneys and replacement attorneys
• Draft clear, effective instructions and preferences

This ensures your LPAs reflect your wishes properly and avoids unintended restrictions or ambiguity that could cause problems later.

Safeguards and professional oversight

Legal professionals are also trained to identify concerns such as undue influence or pressure when attorneys are being appointed. This added layer of protection helps ensure the document is made freely, lawfully and in your best interests.

Reassurance for you and your family

Perhaps most importantly, using a solicitor provides peace of mind. Knowing that your LPAs have been prepared correctly and submitted properly reduces the risk of delays, disputes or complications at a time when your loved ones need clarity and certainty.

Plan now to protect the future

Putting an LPA in place is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Whether you are planning for later life, managing substantial assets, or simply want reassurance about future health and welfare decisions, an LPA ensures the right people can step in when needed.

However, as recent figures demonstrate, the process is not always as straightforward as it appears. Simple errors can undo careful planning, leading to unnecessary costs and emotional strain.

Professional advice can be the difference between a smooth registration and a rejected application that leaves your family in legal limbo. Getting it right the first time is an investment in certainty, protection and peace of mind.

If you would like to discuss anything in this article, or are looking to create an LPA, please contact our friendly and efficient Wills, Tax and Probate team on 01953 606351 or email info@spiresolicitors.co.uk.