Lasting powers of attorney are an increasingly popular instrument used by individuals in the UK to protect their future interests.
What is an LPA?
A lasting power of attorney appoints one or more individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you suffer from an accident or lose mental capacity. You can create one to deal with finance and property, and one to cover health and care.
This is a legal instrument which is registered with the OPG – Office of the Public Guardian. This process can take up to ten weeks.
Can I create an LPA online?
Yes, you can search online for help in creating a lasting power of attorney at sites such as powerofattorneyonline.co.uk. It’s important that the document is carefully constructed, and the names and addresses of attorneys must be accurate. Changes to addresses in the future can be notified by contacting the OPG. Always keep a record of correspondence.
How do I choose attorneys?
Usually, individuals will choose a family member or a close friend to nominate as an attorney to act on their behalf in the future. This is a crucial part of the process, and you should nominate someone in whom you have complete trust, as they will be making important decisions about your future should the instrument be activated.
Attorneys can be removed using a partial deed of revocation, but you cannot add attorneys, as this will require a new LPA. Attorneys can also ask to be removed from an LPA by disclaiming.
