Power of Attorney Address Change

A power of attorney is an important legal document that allows someone (the donor) to appoint another person or persons (the attorney(s)) to make decisions on their behalf. Whether it’s a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), or an Ordinary Power of Attorney (OPA), these documents contain vital personal information, including names and addresses of all parties involved.

But what happens if you or your appointed attorney changes address? Do you need to update the power of attorney? If so, how do you do it, and what are the legal implications?

At Blackstone Solicitors, we assist clients across England and Wales with all aspects of powers of attorney. In this article, we explain how to update address details in a power of attorney, the procedures involved, and when more formal action might be required.

Please click here to find out more about our Wills, Probate and Lasting Power of Attorney Services.

Free Initial Telephone Discussion

For a free initial discussion on how we can help you deal with the legal implications of amending a Power of Attorney, get in touch with us today. We are also experienced in dealing with all aspects of Wills and Probate and we will review your situation and discuss the options open to you in a clear and approachable manner. Early expert legal assistance can help ensure you avoid the stress of dealing with these issues on your own. Simply call us on 0345 901 0445 or click here to make a free enquiry and a member of the team will get back to you.

Understanding Powers of Attorney

Before diving into the process of updating address details, it’s important to briefly outline the different types of powers of attorney:

1. Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

There are two types:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA – used to manage finances, property, and assets.
• Health and Welfare LPA – used to make decisions about medical treatment, care, and daily living if the donor loses mental capacity.

LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used.

2. Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)

These were replaced by LPAs in 2007, but EPAs created before that date remain valid. EPAs cover property and financial matters only and must be registered when the donor loses mental capacity.

3. Ordinary Power of Attorney (OPA)

Used for temporary situations and only remains valid while the donor has mental capacity. OPAs do not need to be registered with the OPG.

Does a Change of Address Invalidate a Power of Attorney?

A change of address—whether it concerns the donor or any attorney—does not invalidate a power of attorney. However, it is highly advisable to notify the relevant authorities of the change and update the record. This ensures that there is no confusion or delay when the power of attorney is used, and correspondence continues to reach the correct person.

An outdated address may cause:

• Confusion about the identity of the parties
• Problems registering the LPA with financial institutions
• Delays in the use of the power of attorney
• Issues during the probate or Court of Protection process

How to Update Address Details in an LPA (Registered or Not)

If you have an LPA and either the donor or an attorney has changed address, you do not need to create a new LPA. Instead, you should notify the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) of the change. Here’s how:

Step 1: Write to the OPG

Prepare a formal written notice including:

• The full name of the person whose address has changed
• Their old address and new address
• Their role in the LPA (donor or attorney)
• The LPA reference number (if available)

You should also include your contact details and the date of the change.

Send the letter to:

Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH

Step 2: Sign and Date the Letter

The letter must be signed by the person whose address has changed. If the donor has lost capacity and cannot sign themselves, the change cannot be formally processed, but it can be noted for reference.

Step 3: Include Supporting Documents

While not always required, including a copy of a utility bill, driving licence, or other proof of address can help validate the update and speed up processing.

Updating an Unregistered LPA

If your LPA has not yet been registered, and the address of the donor or an attorney has changed, the safest course of action is to:

1. Create a new LPA with the correct address details; and
2. Destroy the previous (incorrect) LPA to avoid confusion.

Alternatively, if the change is very minor (e.g. a postcode error or flat number), you may be able to make a handwritten correction on each page and initial it. However, this can lead to the LPA being rejected at registration, so it is best to seek legal advice first.

What About EPAs?

If you hold an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), the procedure is similar:

• Write to the OPG to inform them of the address change.
• Include all relevant details: names, roles, reference number, and both old and new addresses.
• Ensure that the letter is signed by the person whose address has changed.

Note: EPAs do not need to be registered unless the donor has lost capacity. However, if you are applying to register an EPA and notice an address change, notify the OPG in writing at the time of registration.

Updating an Ordinary Power of Attorney

Ordinary Powers of Attorney are not registered with the OPG and are typically more informal. If an address changes, you can:

• Update the document directly (if it hasn’t yet been signed)
• Create a new OPA reflecting the correct details
• Include a separate deed or letter confirming the updated address

Because OPAs are often time-sensitive (e.g. used during temporary incapacity or travel), it’s usually best to reissue the document with correct information.

What If the Donor Has Lost Capacity?

If the donor no longer has the mental capacity to authorise changes or sign documents:

• You cannot amend the LPA or EPA in any way.
• You can notify the OPG of the new address for administrative purposes, but the original LPA will still show the old address.
• The power of attorney remains valid, as the identity of the person matters more than their address.

It’s still worth informing the OPG, as they will update their internal records and use the new address for future correspondence.

Should You Reissue the LPA?

While it’s not necessary to create a new LPA just because of a change of address, some people prefer to have a version with up-to-date details to avoid confusion with banks, healthcare providers, and others.

A new LPA may be appropriate if:

• Multiple parties have changed address
• Other information (such as contact numbers) is outdated
• You want to appoint a new attorney at the same time

If you do choose to make a new LPA, you must go through the full registration process again with the OPG.

Key Considerations When Updating Address Details

1. Act Promptly – Notify changes as soon as possible to avoid delays or complications when using the LPA or EPA.
2. Check with Institutions – Some banks or healthcare providers may ask for the most current contact information. Having the correct address on file with the OPG can support this.
3. Maintain Records – Keep a copy of any correspondence sent to the OPG. If there is a query later, you’ll have a record of the address update.
4. Consult a Solicitor – If you are unsure whether to reissue your LPA or if the donor lacks capacity, a solicitor can guide you on the best course of action.

How Blackstone Solicitors Can Help

At Blackstone Solicitors, we regularly assist individuals and families across England and Wales with the creation, registration, and amendment of powers of attorney.

We offer expert advice on:

• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Address changes and notifications
• Replacement attorneys and revocation
• Deeds of variation or revocation
• Applications to the Court of Protection

If you’ve recently moved or your circumstances have changed, we can ensure your documents are accurate, legally sound, and fully up to date.

Final Thoughts

While a change of address does not invalidate a power of attorney, it’s crucial to keep records accurate to avoid problems when the document is relied upon. Notifying the OPG is usually a straightforward process, and in many cases, does not require you to create a new document.

However, if you are in doubt—or if there are multiple changes to make—it may be best to consult a solicitor and consider updating the power of attorney in full.

If you need help updating or managing a power of attorney, contact Blackstone Solicitors today for clear, practical advice tailored to your needs.

How to Contact Our Wills and Probate Solicitors

It is important for you to be well informed about the issues and possible implications of changes to a power of attorney. However, expert legal support is crucial in terms of ensuring your wishes are met as you would want them to be.

To speak to our Wills and Probate solicitors today, simply call us on 0345 901 0445, or click here to make a free enquiry. We are well known across the country and can assist wherever you are based. We also have offices based in Cheshire and London.

Authored by Ben Posted in Blog, News Tagged as

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