Power of attorney checklist
Power of attorney hands decisions to someone else if you ever can't make them yourself — decide who and for what before the paperwork is drawn up.
12 items
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
The items
- Type decidedFinancial decisions, health and welfare decisions, or both — check the current rules on what's available.
- Attorney or attorneys chosenSomeone trusted completely — this is a significant amount of authority to hand over.
- Replacement attorney namedIn case the first choice is ever unable to act.
- Whether attorneys must act together or can act separately, decided
- When it takes effect decidedImmediately, or only if capacity is later lost.
- Solicitor booked to draw it up
- Registration arrangedIt generally can't be used until registered — check the current rules on how long that takes.
- Copies given to the attorney or attorneys
- GP or care team told, if health and welfare decisions are included
- Bank told, if a financial power of attorney needs registering with them separately
- Existing will checked for consistency with who's been appointed
- Reviewed after any major changeA house move, a falling-out with an attorney, or any change of mind.
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
Questions people ask
- Can I write this myself instead of using a solicitor?
- There's an official process to follow, and a solicitor is the safest way through it — getting it wrong can mean it isn't valid when it's actually needed.
- When does it start being usable?
- That depends on the type chosen and the decision made when it's set up — some take effect immediately, others only if capacity is later lost. Check the current rules.
- Can it be registered later, once it's already drawn up?
- It generally needs registering before it can actually be used, which can take time — check the current rules on timing so it isn't left until an emergency.