How to Cancel a Lasting Power of Attorney: Expert Guidance from Complete Estate Protection
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial step in planning for your future, giving trusted individuals the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. But what happens if your circumstances change and the people you’ve appointed are no longer suitable?
At Complete Estate Protection, we offer professional, straightforward advice on how to cancel or revoke an LPA, ensuring your affairs remain in the right hands.
When Might You Need to Cancel an LPA?
You may decide to cancel your LPA for a number of valid reasons:
- You no longer feel comfortable with the person or people you appointed.
- An attorney is no longer capable of acting — for example, due to ill health or a change in personal circumstances.
- You have concerns about how your attorney is using their powers.
- Your circumstances have changed, and you now prefer someone else to act on your behalf.
Revoking an LPA removes the legal authority of your previous attorneys, giving you the opportunity to make a fresh start and better safeguard your wellbeing and finances.
How to Cancel an Unregistered LPA
If your LPA has not yet been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), it is not legally valid. In this case:
- You may simply destroy the document.
- There is no need to notify the OPG or complete any formal revocation paperwork.
However, we always recommend seeking confirmation from an estate planning specialist to ensure you’ve covered all angles, particularly if copies of the unregistered LPA have been shared.
How to Cancel a Registered LPA
If your LPA has already been registered with the OPG, it is a legal document and must be cancelled formally. The process involves several key steps:
1. Notify Your Attorneys
Write to your appointed attorneys informing them that the LPA is being revoked and they are no longer authorised to act on your behalf.
2. Complete a Deed of Revocation
You’ll need to complete a Deed of Revocation — a legal document stating your intention to cancel your registered LPA. This must include:
- Your personal details
- A clear statement revoking the specific LPA
- The date and your signature
The OPG provides a standard template, but our team at Complete Estate Protection can prepare the Deed on your behalf to ensure it is accurate and legally robust.
3. Send Documents to the Office of the Public Guardian
You must post the completed Deed of Revocation to the OPG, along with the original registered LPA document. The OPG will update their records and confirm that the LPA is no longer valid.
4. (Optional) Create a New LPA
If you wish to appoint new attorneys, we can help you prepare and register a replacement LPA quickly and efficiently. This ensures you remain protected without interruption.
Why Professional Advice Matters
Cancelling a registered LPA is a legal process that must be done correctly to avoid confusion or future complications. Seeking expert advice helps ensure that your wishes are clearly documented and your legal protections remain intact.
At Complete Estate Protection, we provide full support throughout:
- Confirming that revocation is in your best interests
- Preparing and completing the correct revocation paperwork
- Drafting formal notices for your attorneys
- Liaising with the OPG on your behalf
- Advising on secure disposal of old documents
- Assisting with the preparation of a new LPA, if required
We’re Here to Help You Regain Control
Life changes — and your legal arrangements should change with it. If your current LPA is no longer appropriate, revoking it is the right way to ensure you stay in control of who makes decisions on your behalf.
Contact Complete Estate Protection today for clear, professional advice on how to cancel a Lasting Power of Attorney and put new, reliable arrangements in place.
Need Help? Talk to Complete Estate Protection
At Complete Estate Protection, we specialise in helping individuals and families plan for the future with confidence. From simple Wills to complex trust structures, our team offers clear, practical guidance every step of the way.
Book a free consultation today to explore how a Will trust could fit into your estate plan.
Contact us today to start your journey toward securing your legacy.
