Without a Lasting Power of Attorney being in place, should you lose your mental capacity your loved ones may not be able to look after your financial affairs. The Lasting Power of Attorney can only be made when someone has mental capacity. It cannot be filled out retrospectively, so delaying the decision to make a LPA could have serious consequences. The only option left would be to apply to the court for a Deputy-ship Order which would take a considerable amount of time, cost and emotional hardship at an already difficult time. Anyone can lose their mental capacity – old and young. The Lasting Power of Attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. The Office of the Public Guardian charge a fee, £82 (as at 28th January 2022), to register a Lasting Power of Attorney, but some Donors are entitled to a fee exemption or remission if they meet certain qualifying criteria.