Date published: 14th August 2025

According to the Office of the Public Guardian’s Annual Report for 2023–2024, over 50,000 LPA applications were rejected last year. That’s 3.7% of all applications, often due to simple, avoidable mistakes. These errors can delay registration, cause unnecessary stress, and even leave loved ones without legal authority when it matters most.

Callum Leighton, Solicitor & Team Leader in our Wills, Trusts and Probate team at Jackson Lees, explores the most common reasons LPAs are rejected, how to avoid them, and why seeking expert legal advice can save you time, money, and heartache.

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What are the most common mistakes when setting up an LPA?

The OPG reports that 15% of LPA applications contain errors. These include:

  • Incorrect signing order: The donor must sign first, followed by the certificate provider, then the attorneys.
  • Unlawful instructions: For example, references to assisted dying must be removed by the Court of Protection.
  • Wrong certificate provider: Family members or attorneys cannot act in this role.
  • Using correction fluid or pencil: These invalidate the form.
  • Contradictory attorney instructions: Such as appointing attorneys jointly but asking them to act separately.

Each of these mistakes can result in rejection, requiring resubmission and further delays.

How can I make sure my LPA is legally valid?

The best way to ensure your LPA is accepted first time is to follow the LP12 government guide and use a checklist before submission. Key steps include:

  • Using the correct form (LP1F or LP1H)
  • Ensuring all signatures are in the right order
  • Choosing an impartial certificate provider
  • Avoiding ambiguous or unlawful instructions
  • Having witnesses who are over 18 and not involved in the LPA

Even if you follow all the official guidance, setting up an LPA can still be tricky especially when issues like mental capacity or family relationships come into play. That’s why getting expert legal advice is so important.

Do I need a solicitor to help with my LPA?

It’s completely understandable to want to handle your LPA yourself. After all, it’s a deeply personal decision about your future and who you trust to act on your behalf.

But even the most careful and well-intentioned people can make small mistakes that lead to rejection, delays, or worse, an LPA that doesn’t work when your loved ones need it most.

At Jackson Lees, we believe your LPA should do more than tick boxes. It should give you confidence, clarity, and protection. That’s why we don’t just fill in forms, we listen. 

Here’s how we can support you:

  • We complete the form correctly, avoiding common pitfalls
  • We advise on suitable certificate providers who meet legal requirements
  • We help you write clear, lawful instructions that reflect your values
  • We assess mental capacity if needed, ensuring your LPA stands up to scrutiny
  • We give you peace of mind, knowing your loved ones will be protected when it matters most

When it comes to something this important, getting it right the first time isn’t just convenient, it’s essential.

How can Jackson Lees Group help with my LPA?

At Jackson Lees Group, we understand how important it is to get your LPA right. Our experienced solicitors offer empathetic, jargon-free advice tailored to your family’s needs. 

Whether you’re planning for your own future or helping a loved one, please give us a callrequest a callback or make an enquiry to find out how we can help.