Guidance

Getting started as an attorney: health and welfare

What to do first if you're acting for someone under a lasting power of attorney for health and care decisions.

From:
Office of the Public Guardian
Published
14 May 2015
Last updated
6 August 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

LP10 Getting started as an attorney: health and welfare (web version)

HTML

LP10 Getting started as an attorney: health and welfare (print version)

PDF, 158 KB, 6 pages

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LP10 Getting started as an attorney: health and welfare (large print)

PDF, 164 KB, 7 pages

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Details

If someone chooses you to make decisions for them in case they lose mental capacity, find out more about your responsibilities and how you can prepare.

The leaflet includes practical advice such as:

  • understanding the likes and dislikes of the person
  • helping them to make decisions
  • involving friends and family
  • dealing with health and social care staff

For an overview of your duties, read the guidance on acting as an attorney.

The Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice has more information on the legal background to what you can and can’t do as an attorney.

Alternative formats

You can email customerservices@publicguardian.gov.uk to get a document in large print. Please include your address.

Updates to this page

Published 14 May 2015
Last updated 6 August 2024 + show all updates

  1. Alzheimer's Society contact number updated.

  2. Updated the new Court of Protection fee (£385, down from £400)

  3. Added translation

  4. Added translation

  5. Added large print version of the LP10 and added a Welsh translation of the page

  6. First published.

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