What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person (an attorney) authority to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf.
Personal & Estate Planning
Power of Attorney
Generate a general power of attorney for the UK, appointing someone to make financial decisions on your behalf, and understand how it differs from a Lasting Power of Attorney.
- Create a general (ordinary) power of attorney
Generate an ordinary power of attorney appointing [Attorney Name] to act on behalf of [Principal Name] for [purpose, e.g. managing a specific property transaction] while the principal has mental capacity, consistent with the Powers of Attorney Act 1971.
- Create a limited power of attorney for a specific transaction
Generate a limited power of attorney appointing [Attorney Name] to act for [Principal Name] solely for the purpose of [Specific Transaction, e.g. selling a property at Address], with authority ending once the transaction is complete.
- Create a power of attorney for while overseas
Generate a power of attorney appointing [Attorney Name] to manage [Principal Name]'s financial and property matters in the UK while the principal is overseas for [Duration].
Power of Attorney Generator (UK)
A power of attorney is a legal document that appoints someone (an attorney) to make financial decisions on your behalf while you have mental capacity, under the Powers of Attorney Act 1971. This free UK power of attorney generator produces ordinary (general) powers of attorney for specific transactions or a defined period, and explains how these differ from a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), a separate statutory document made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, which continues to operate if you later lose capacity. It is designed for individuals arranging for someone to manage property, finances, or legal matters on their behalf, including while travelling or unwell. The generator lets you specify the scope of authority granted and any limits or conditions on the attorney's powers. Use it for time-limited or transaction-specific needs, while planning separately for a Lasting Power of Attorney if you want ongoing protection in case of future incapacity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an ordinary power of attorney and a Lasting Power of Attorney in the UK?
An ordinary (general) power of attorney under the Powers of Attorney Act 1971 only operates while you have mental capacity, while a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, continues to operate if you later lose capacity, and must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before use.
Can I make a Lasting Power of Attorney myself using a general template?
No. An LPA must follow the statutory form set by the Office of the Public Guardian and be properly registered, so an ordinary power of attorney template is not a substitute for an LPA.
Who can be appointed as an attorney in the UK?
Generally any adult you trust, such as a family member, friend, or professional adviser, though the person must be willing and able to act in your best interests.
Can I cancel a power of attorney once it's made?
Yes, while you have capacity you can revoke an ordinary power of attorney at any time, generally by giving written notice to the attorney and any relevant third parties.
Does a power of attorney cover health and welfare decisions in the UK?
No. An ordinary power of attorney only covers property and financial affairs; health and welfare decisions require a separate Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare.