Guide
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney, and is it still valid?
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is the older version of a Lasting Power of Attorney. EPAs could not be made after 1 October 2007, but a valid one made before then can still be used. It covers money and property only, and must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian once the person starts to lose capacity.
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. All guides
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EPA or LPA?
Enduring Powers of Attorney were replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney in October 2007. Any new arrangement is made as an LPA. An older EPA that was properly made and signed remains valid.
What an EPA covers
An EPA only covers property and financial affairs. It does not cover health and welfare decisions. If you want someone to be able to make care and medical decisions for you, you need a Health and Welfare LPA.
Registration
An EPA can be used before registration while the person still has capacity. Once the person is, or is becoming, unable to manage their affairs, the attorney has to apply to register it with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). If you have an old EPA and are not sure of its status, contact the OPG on 0300 456 0300.
Should you replace it?
If the person who made the EPA still has capacity, it may be worth making new LPAs, so that health and welfare is also covered and the arrangement is up to date. If they have already lost capacity, a new LPA cannot be made and the EPA, or the Court of Protection, is what you have. See our guide to LPAs, and ask us if you are unsure.
Quick answers
Common questions
Can I still make an EPA?
No. EPAs could only be made before 1 October 2007. New arrangements are made as Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Does an EPA cover health decisions?
No. An EPA only covers property and financial affairs.
Do I have to register an EPA?
It has to be registered with the OPG when the person is, or is becoming, unable to manage their affairs.
Keep reading
Related guides
Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney if I already have a will?
Yes.
How much does a Lasting Power of Attorney cost?
With Jackson Giles an LPA costs £360 each, or £720 for both the property and financial affairs LPA and the health and welfare LPA.
How long does it take to register a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Government guidance says it takes 8 to 10 weeks to register a Lasting Power of Attorney if there are no mistakes in the application.
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