You could be unable to make decisions or deal with your affairs regarding your medical treatment or finances, if you have an accident, fall ill, or you just need a little help.
A power of attorney makes sure that people you trust have the right to act in your best interests.
Your attorneys 
Certificate provider 
Preferences & instructions People to notify The type of power of attorney you need depends on the type of decisions you want to be made and where you live in the UK.
This will depend on where you live in the UK.
England and Wales:
Property and financial: this allows you to appoint people to make decisions about your property and financial decisions
Health and welfare: this allows you to appoint people to make decisions about your health and medical decisions
Northern Ireland
Enduring: this allows you to appoint people to make decisions about your bank accounts, paying your bills and managing, buying and selling your home
Scotland
Continuing & Welfare: this allows you to appoint people to make decisions about your bank accounts, paying your bills, managing, buying and selling your home, your daily routine, e.g. meals and activities, your living and care arrangements and any medical treatment you need
A will is a separate document to a power of attorney. A will is only effective on your death and has no legal authority prior to that point. A power of attorney is effective whilst you are alive and allows others to act on your behalf during your lifetime.
The Office of the Public Guardian offers free forms that you can complete yourself. But our service offers additional support and guidance and enables you to have your document reviewed by one of our specialists. You can also contact our specialists with any questions you may have as you complete your forms.
No. We don’t register the documents for you and the registration fee is not included in the cost of our service. Please check the relevant Office of the Public Guardian to see what fee applies.
England, Wales & Northern Ireland
