LP1F and LP1H are the official paper forms for making a lasting power of attorney (LPA) in England and Wales. LP1F creates an LPA for property and financial affairs, and LP1H creates an LPA for health and welfare.
Both forms are published by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and can be downloaded free from gov.uk, and the same document is used both to make the LPA and to apply to register it (gov.uk, LPA forms, as at August 2026, subject to change). An LPA cannot be used until the OPG has registered it, which currently takes 8 to 10 weeks where the application contains no mistakes, for a fee of £92 per form (gov.uk, register an LPA, as at August 2026, subject to change). This guide explains what sits behind each form code and how the process works.
What are the LP1F and LP1H forms?
A lasting power of attorney is a legal document that lets you (the donor) appoint one or more people (your attorneys) to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to make them yourself. There are two types of LPA in England and Wales, and each has its own form:
- LP1F is the form for a property and financial affairs LPA. It covers decisions such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, collecting a pension or benefits, and selling a home.
- LP1H is the form for a health and welfare LPA. It covers decisions such as daily care, medical treatment, where you live, and, if you choose to grant it, life-sustaining treatment.
The form codes are simply the names the OPG gives to these documents. LP1F stands for the LPA for finances, and LP1H for the LPA for health. You can make one type or both, and each is a separate form with its own fee.
The difference between LP1F and LP1H
The two forms look similar but serve different purposes, and they take effect at different points. A property and financial affairs LPA made on LP1F can be used as soon as it is registered, if the donor agrees, so an attorney can help while the donor still has capacity. A health and welfare LPA made on LP1H can only be used once the donor has lost the mental capacity to make the decision in question (gov.uk, make an LPA, as at August 2026, subject to change).
| Feature | LP1F (property & financial affairs) | LP1H (health & welfare) |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Money, property, bank accounts, pensions, bills | Care, medical treatment, where you live |
| When it can be used | Once registered, with the donor's agreement, or after loss of capacity | Only after the donor loses mental capacity |
| Life-sustaining treatment | Not applicable | Optional, only if the donor grants it on the form |
| Registration fee | £92 | £92 |
Source: gov.uk/power-of-attorney and gov.uk register an LPA, as at August 2026, subject to change.
Many people set up both at the same time, so that finances and personal welfare are covered. Our guide to the lasting power of attorney looks at how the two documents work alongside a will.
Where to get the LP1F and LP1H forms
Both forms are available from the official OPG collection on gov.uk. You can download and print them, or ask the OPG to post copies to you (gov.uk, LPA forms, as at August 2026, subject to change). The paper form contains every section you need, from naming attorneys to the signatures and the certificate provider who confirms you understand what you are doing.
There is no charge to download the forms themselves. The fee applies only when you apply to register the completed LPA. Because the same document is used to make and to register the LPA, it is worth reading the accompanying guidance before you start, so that the form is completed correctly the first time.
Fees and registering an LPA
An LPA has no legal effect until the OPG registers it. Registration currently costs £92 for each LPA, so registering both an LP1F and an LP1H comes to £184 in total. Where there are no mistakes, the OPG states that registration takes 8 to 10 weeks (gov.uk, register an LPA, as at August 2026, subject to change).
| Item | Amount / time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Register one LPA (LP1F or LP1H) | £92 | Per form |
| Register both LPAs | £184 | LP1F and LP1H together |
| Registration time | 8 to 10 weeks | If the application contains no mistakes |
| Resubmit a corrected application | £46 | Within 3 months, depending on the error |
Source: gov.uk/power-of-attorney/register, as at August 2026, subject to change.
A reduced fee may apply if your gross annual income is under £12,000, and a full exemption may be available if you receive certain means-tested benefits (gov.uk, LPA fees, as at August 2026, subject to change). The application form sets out the criteria and the evidence needed. Because registration can take a couple of months, many people apply well before the LPA is likely to be needed.
Related LPA forms and guidance
Alongside LP1F and LP1H, the OPG publishes several related documents. You are unlikely to need all of them, but it helps to recognise the codes.
| Code | What it is |
|---|---|
| LP1F | Make and register an LPA for property and financial affairs |
| LP1H | Make and register an LPA for health and welfare |
| LP12 | Make and register your lasting power of attorney: a guide |
| LP3 | Notice to a person you name to be told about the LPA |
| LPA120 | Application for a reduced fee or exemption |
Source: gov.uk, lasting power of attorney forms, as at August 2026, subject to change.
Should you use the paper form or apply online?
The LP1F and LP1H paper forms are one route. There is also an online service on gov.uk that guides you through making an LPA on screen, after which the document is still printed, signed and posted for registration (gov.uk, make an LPA, as at August 2026, subject to change). The online route can reduce common errors because it checks entries as you go, while some people prefer completing the paper form by hand. Either way the LPA must be signed in the correct order and witnessed, and it must be registered before it can be used. The choice tends to come down to personal preference and how complex the arrangements are.
- LP1F = property and financial affairs LPA. LP1H = health and welfare LPA (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
- Registration fee: £92 per LPA, or £184 for both (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
- Registration takes 8 to 10 weeks where there are no mistakes (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
- An LPA cannot be used until the OPG has registered it (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
LP1F and LP1H in Scotland and Northern Ireland
LP1F and LP1H apply in England and Wales only. Scotland has its own system, run by the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland), where a continuing power of attorney covers finances and a welfare power of attorney covers personal welfare (publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change). Northern Ireland uses an enduring power of attorney for financial matters, with separate arrangements for health and care decisions (nidirect.gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change). If your affairs span more than one UK nation, it can be worth checking the position in each.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LP1F and LP1H?
LP1F is the form for a lasting power of attorney covering property and financial affairs, such as bank accounts, bills and selling a home. LP1H is the form for a health and welfare LPA, covering care, medical treatment and where you live. A finance LPA can be used once registered with your agreement, while a health and welfare LPA can only be used after you lose mental capacity (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
Where can I download the LP1F and LP1H forms?
Both forms are published by the Office of the Public Guardian and can be downloaded free from the lasting power of attorney forms collection on gov.uk, or requested by post. The same form is used to make the LPA and to apply to register it (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
How much does it cost to register an LPA?
Registering one LPA costs £92, so an LP1F and an LP1H together come to £184. A reduced fee may apply if your gross annual income is under £12,000, and a full exemption may be available if you receive certain means-tested benefits (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
How long does it take to register an LPA?
The Office of the Public Guardian states that registration takes 8 to 10 weeks where the application contains no mistakes. An LPA cannot be used until it has been registered, so many people apply in advance rather than at the point it is needed (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
Can I make an LPA online instead of using LP1F or LP1H?
Yes. gov.uk offers an online service that guides you through making an LPA, after which the document is printed, signed, witnessed and posted for registration in the same way as the paper form. The online route checks entries as you go, which can reduce common mistakes (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
Do LP1F and LP1H apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
No. LP1F and LP1H are used in England and Wales only. Scotland uses continuing and welfare powers of attorney through the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland), and Northern Ireland uses an enduring power of attorney with separate health and care arrangements (publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
Can I fill in both LP1F and LP1H?
Yes. Many people complete both forms so that finances and personal welfare are each covered. They are separate documents, each carries its own registration fee, and each must be registered before it can be used. Whether one or both suits your circumstances is a matter of personal choice (gov.uk, as at August 2026, subject to change).
A lasting power of attorney often sits alongside a will and wider estate planning. You may find it useful to read our guides on how to write a will, planning for the impact of care fees, and estate planning more broadly. If you would like to talk through your options, you can book a consultation.