11 February 2026 /
Ordinary (General) Power of Attorney: A Practical Guide for When You’re Away
A General Power of Attorney (GPA) – sometimes called an Ordinary Power of Attorney (OPA) – is a flexible legal tool that allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your affairs while you’re temporarily unable to do so yourself.
Whether you’re travelling, working abroad, or simply need short-term support, a GPA/OPA can provide peace of mind and practical help.
Ordinary or General Power of Attorney—What’s the Difference?
Short answer: There isn’t one!
“Ordinary Power of Attorney” and “General Power of Attorney” are two names for the same document in the UK.
“Ordinary Power of Attorney” and “General Power of Attorney” are two names for the same document in the UK.
Both refer to a power of attorney that is only valid while the donor has mental capacity and is typically used for temporary or specific purposes.
Some legal software and professionals use “Ordinary,” while others use “General” – but they work the same way.
What is an Ordinary (General) Power of Attorney?
An Ordinary/General Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you (the “donor”) give authority to one or more people (your “attorneys”) to act on your behalf in financial or legal matters. Unlike a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), an OPA/GPA is only valid while you have mental capacity and is usually used for short-term or specific needs.
When Would You Use an OPA/GPA?
- Travelling or working abroad for an extended period
- Hospital stays or medical recovery
- Managing property or business remotely
- Handling personal affairs while away
Example:
“I’m going abroad for six months and want my daughter to manage my bank account and pay my bills while I’m away. An Ordinary Power of Attorney lets me do this safely and easily, with a clear end date.”
“I’m going abroad for six months and want my daughter to manage my bank account and pay my bills while I’m away. An Ordinary Power of Attorney lets me do this safely and easily, with a clear end date.”
How Does an OPA/GPA Work?
Appointment
You choose one or more attorneys (trusted people like a spouse, adult child, or friend).
Scope
Decide if you want to give full power (all financial/legal matters) or limit authority to specific tasks (e.g., managing a bank account or property).
Duration
State how long the OPA/GPA will last (e.g., “valid from 1 March 2026 until 31 August 2026”) or leave it open until you revoke it or lose capacity.
Revocation
You can revoke the OPA/GPA at any time, as long as you have capacity. The document automatically ends if you lose capacity.
Customising Your OPA/GPA
You can tailor your Ordinary/General Power of Attorney to your needs:
- Limit it to specific accounts, properties, or transactions
- Set a fixed end date or link it to a particular event
- Give broad or narrow powers, depending on your situation
FAQs
Can I limit what my attorney can do?
Yes. You can specify exactly what your attorney can and cannot do in the document.
Does an OPA/GPA need to be registered?
No, unless it’s used to manage land/property (then it must be registered with the Land Registry).
How much does it cost?
At Beacon Advice, we offer a fixed fee of £100–£150, including consultation, document preparation, and support.
Is there a difference between Ordinary and General Power of Attorney?
No – both terms refer to the same type of document. Some professionals use “Ordinary,” others use “General,” but they work the same way.
Final Thoughts
An Ordinary (General) Power of Attorney is an ideal solution for anyone needing short-term help with their affairs.
It’s flexible, affordable, and tailored to your needs—giving you peace of mind while you’re away.
Thinking about an Ordinary or General Power of Attorney?
Contact Beacon Advice for expert, jargon-free guidance and a fixed, transparent fee –
Contact Beacon Advice for expert, jargon-free guidance and a fixed, transparent fee –
For more information on Lasting Power of Attorney click here –
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