A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows an individual (the donor) to appoint someone they trust (the attorney) to make decisions on their behalf. It is particularly useful if the donor becomes unable to make decisions due to illness or injury. In the UK, understanding and following the lasting power of attorney online surrounding LPAs ensures a smooth process and protects all parties involved. Below, we outline the key steps to successfully setting up an LPA.

There are two types of lasting Power of Attorney in the UK:

·         Property and Financial Affairs - This allows your attorney to manage your finances, such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, or selling property.

·         Health and Welfare - This gives your attorney the authority to make decisions about your medical care, daily routine and even end-of-life care.

You can set up either or both, depending on your needs. It’s important to be clear on the scope of each to ensure your wishes are fulfilled.

Choose the Right Attorney

Choosing the right attorney is a crucial decision. You should select someone trustworthy, reliable, and willing to take on the responsibility. It’s common to appoint family members, but close friends or professionals (such as solicitors) can also be chosen. You can name more than one attorney and specify whether they should act jointly or independently.

Complete the Necessary Forms

To set up a Lasting Power of Attorney, you will need to fill in specific forms available from the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). You can do this online or by downloading the forms. These include:

·         Lasting Power of Attorney Form for Property and Financial or Health and Welfare,

·         Lasting Power of Attorney Certificate Provider Form from a professional or someone who knows the donor

Once completed, all forms need to be signed and witnessed correctly.

Register Your Lasting Power of Attorney

Your Lasting Power of Attorney must be registered with the OPG before it can be used. Registration typically takes around 8-10 weeks, so it’s advisable not to leave this process until an emergency arises. You will also need to pay a registration fee, although fee exemptions or reductions may apply based on income.

Review and Update Regularly

Once your Lasting Power of Attorney is in place, it’s a good idea to review it regularly to ensure that it still reflects your wishes. Circumstances change over time, and you may want to update your choice of attorney or amend specific instructions.

Summary: Setting up lasting power of attorney online can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones, ensuring that your affairs are managed according to your wishes if you become unable to do so.