Power of Attorney explained

Helping someone else manage their affairs can feel like a big responsibility. A Power of Attorney makes it easier. It lets you step in and act on someone else’s behalf, whether it’s for their money, property, or health. 

 

This guide explains what a Power of Attorney is, how to set it up with us, and what your role involves.  

How to set up a Power of Attorney with Principality 

If you are acting as an attorney, you’ll need to register the Power of Attorney with us before you can manage someone else's accounts. 

The easiest way to get started is by visiting our support tool for Power of Attorney. It explains what you need to register and how to do it. You can register online, book a branch appointment, or send your documents by post or email. 

What is Power of Attorney? 

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you make decisions for another person, known as the donor. 

Depending on the type of Power of Attorney, you may need help with: 

• health and welfare 
• money and finances 
• property 

You can only act as an attorney if the donor gave consent while they had mental capacity. If they can’t give consent, a court order may be needed instead. 

When you might need a Power of Attorney 

People set up a Power of Attorney so their finances are managed smoothly if they need help. Common reasons include: 

• illness or disability 
• living abroad 
• planning ahead in case they lose mental capacity 

Setting it up early reduces stress later. 

Who can be an attorney

The donor chooses someone they trust. To be an attorney you must: 

• be over 18 
• be able to make decisions for yourself 

You might be a family member, a friend, or a professional such as a solicitor or accountant. 

 

If there is more than one attorney, the donor decides how you make decisions: 

• act jointly - all attorneys agree on every decision 
• jointly and severally - each attorney can make decisions independently 

What you can do as an attorney

Your main job is to act in the donor’s best interests and follow their instructions. 

This might include: 

• managing money and paying bills 
• handling property, including selling or managing a home 
• keeping clear records of any spending 

Managing Principality accounts

If the donor has a Principality account, you can: 

• make transfers and payments 
• open a new savings account 
• manage mortgages 
• manage or sell property 

What you can do depends on the type of Power of Attorney in place. 

The diffrenet types of Power of Attormey

General Power of Attorney (GPA) 

You use this for short-term support. This Power of Attorney ends when the donor loses mental capacity. 

 

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) 

You use this if the donor loses mental capacity. LPA lets you act according to the donor’s wishes. There are two types: 

• Health and welfare lasting power of attorney — you can only use this when the donor has lost mental capacity. It covers medical care, living arrangements, and who can contact the donor. 
• Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney — you can use this while the donor still has mental capacity, unless the donor has said otherwise. This covers managing money, bills, savings, and property. 

LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before you can act. 

 

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) 

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) was replaced by Lasting Power of Attorney in October 2007.   

 

An EPA may still be accepted by financial providers and you don’t need to register an EPA before using it if the donor has mental capacity.  

 

However, you must register the EPA with the Office of the Public Guardian as soon as the donor begins to lose mental capacity. This ensures you can continue to act legally.  

 

For full guidance on registering an EPA, visit gov.uk. 

If there is no Power of Attorney

If someone loses mental capacity and hasn’t set up a Power of Attorney, you will need a court order from the Court of Protection before you can act. The court can appoint a deputy to manage money, property, or welfare. 

Fees and registration costs

To use a Power of Attorney with us, it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian where required. Fees vary depending on the type of Power of Attorney and whether you use professional help. 

 

For the most up to date fees and guidance, please visit gov.uk 

 

The information in this guide was accurate when published.