Registration of Power of Attorney

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone they trust to make decisions on their behalf in the event that they are no longer able to do so due to mental or physical incapacity. The LPA can cover decisions related to their financial affairs, health and welfare, or both.

The lasting power of attorney registration is the process of registering the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), which is responsible for supervising the use of LPAs in England and Wales. The registration process is an important step to ensure that the LPA is legally valid and can be used if needed.

To register an LPA, the individual must first complete the LPA form and have it signed and witnessed by two people who are not the attorney or a close relative. The form and any relevant supporting documentation must then be sent to the OPG for registration.

The registration involves a series of checks by the OPG to ensure that the LPA is legally valid and that the individual who made the LPA was of sound mind and understood what they were doing. If there are any concerns or objections, the OPG may carry out further investigations before deciding whether to register the LPA.

Once the LPA is registered, the attorney can start using it to make decisions on behalf of the individual. It is important to keep the LPA registration up to date and to notify the OPG of any changes, such as a change in the attorney's address or the death of the individual.

In conclusion, the lasting power of attorney registration is an important step to ensure that the LPA is legally valid and can be used if needed. It provides peace of mind to the individual and helps to ensure that their affairs are managed in the way they would wish in the event of mental or physical incapacity.