Make decisions for someone (power of attorney)

Find out about making decisions for someone else who is unable to.

Power of attorney 

Power of attorney gives permission for someone else to look after a persons money, property or care, if they're unable to do it themself. 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.

More information 

Visit GOV.UK for information about:

• making decisions for someone else
• the duties of the attorney and how to apply
• appointee for someone claiming benefits 

The NHS has information about advance decisions and making a living will.