A Lasting Power of Attorney, or LPA, allows you to designate who you want to make decisions for you, should you ever become incapable of making them yourself. Many people set one up early in life to make sure their wishes are respected later on.
But knowing how to start using an LPA can be confusing, especially if you have never dealt with one before. Here, we explain how to start using an LPA.
Understanding when an LPA can be used
An LPA can only be used once it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. If it has not been registered, it doesn’t have any legal power.
For financial matters, an attorney can begin acting once the LPA is registered, unless the document states otherwise. For health and care decisions, however, the attorney can only act if the person has lost their mental capacity.
Registering an LPA
Before you can use an LPA, it must go through the registration process. This involves sending the completed document, along with the required fee, to the Office of the Public Guardian.
Today, many people find it easier and quicker to complete and track this process through LPA online services, like at powerofattorneyonline.co.uk/. Once registered, the attorneys receive official confirmation and can begin acting.
Using an LPA in practice
After registration, attorneys may need to show the official document to banks, doctors, or carers to prove they have the authority to act. If someone is unsure about their rights, they can check the terms written in the LPA itself.