Make decisions for someone (power of attorney)
Find out about making decisions for another adult who is unable to.
Get permission to look after someone's money, property or care
Power of attorney gives permission for an adult to look after another adult's money, property or care if they're unable to do it themselves.
It is a legal document that gives someone else permission to make decisions on their behalf.
If someone lacks mental capacity to appoint a power of attorney for themselves, another person can apply to a court to help make decisions for them.
This might happen if someone has a learning disability, a mental health problem, or an illness such as dementia.
Learn more about what it means to lack mental capacity
More information about power of attorney
Visit GOV.UK for information about:
- making decisions for someone else
- applying for power of attorney
- applying to deal with someone's benefits
Making a living will
A living will lets family, carers and health professionals know your wishes about refusing a specific type of treatment in the future.
Help us improve our site by joining our user research panel