Which option do people choose?
There is no single right answer, and it depends on your family and your priorities. Many people choose "jointly and severally" because it keeps things practical and means the LPA does not fall apart if one attorney cannot act. Others prefer "jointly" for the extra oversight, or a mix that reserves only the biggest decisions to all attorneys together (gov.uk, as at July 2026, subject to change). Because the wording affects whether an LPA works, it can be worth discussing with a qualified professional. For more on what attorneys must do once appointed, see our note on attorney duties.
Attorneys in Scotland and Northern Ireland
This guide describes the lasting power of attorney used in England and Wales, and the "jointly" and "jointly and severally" options set out by gov.uk (gov.uk, as at July 2026, subject to change). Scotland has its own system of continuing and welfare powers of attorney, registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland), and Northern Ireland uses different arrangements again. The idea of appointing more than one attorney exists across the UK, but the forms, terms and rules differ, so it can be worth taking local advice where your affairs touch more than one nation. See the different types of LPA for the health and finance split in England and Wales.
Frequently asked questions
What does "jointly and severally" mean for attorneys?
It means each attorney can act on their own or together with the others, so any one of them can make or sign a decision without waiting for the rest (gov.uk, as at July 2026, subject to change). Many people find this the most practical setting for day-to-day banking and bills, because it does not need every attorney available at once.
What is the difference between jointly and jointly and severally?
Appointed jointly, all attorneys must agree on every decision, so nothing happens unless they act together. Appointed jointly and severally, any attorney can act alone or with the others (gov.uk, as at July 2026, subject to change). The joint setting gives more shared oversight, while the several setting is generally quicker and more flexible in practice.
What happens if one joint attorney dies or loses capacity?
Where attorneys act jointly, the LPA can stop working if one of them dies, loses capacity or steps down, unless a replacement attorney has been named to step in. Where they act jointly and severally, the remaining attorneys can generally continue (gov.uk, as at July 2026, subject to change). This is why many people consider naming replacements.
Can I mix jointly and jointly and severally in one LPA?
Yes. An LPA can let attorneys act jointly and severally for most matters, but jointly for specific big decisions, such as selling your home (gov.uk, as at July 2026, subject to change). The instructions need to be worded carefully, because unclear wording can make part of an LPA invalid, so many people take care over this section or seek help.
How much does it cost to register an LPA?
Applying to register a lasting power of attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian costs £92 per LPA in England and Wales, so registering both a property and finance LPA and a health and welfare LPA would be £184 in total (gov.uk, register an LPA, as at July 2026, subject to change). A reduction or exemption may apply on a low income or certain benefits.
Which option should I choose for my attorneys?
There is no single right answer, as it depends on your family and how much shared oversight you want. Many people choose jointly and severally for flexibility, while others prefer jointly or a mix that reserves only major decisions to all attorneys (gov.uk, as at July 2026, subject to change). Because the wording affects whether the LPA works, it can be worth discussing with a qualified professional.
About Fairchild Oldfield
The Fairchild Oldfield team brings together estate planning, tax, independent financial advice and client care, working with families across England and Wales.
Fairchild Oldfield are estate planning specialists and will writers, not a firm of solicitors. This article is general information based on practical experience, not legal, tax or financial advice.
Important: This article is general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Reading it does not create a professional relationship. It is based on the law of England and Wales, and other UK jurisdictions may differ. Figures and rules are current as at July 2026 and are subject to change. Before acting, many people choose to seek advice from a suitably qualified professional, such as a solicitor, a STEP practitioner, or an FCA-authorised financial adviser, who can consider your individual circumstances.
