How to Use a Lasting Power of Attorney Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about sorting out your future affairs? It might sound like a big job, but getting a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place is actually pretty straightforward these days, especially if you decide to use a lasting power of attorney online. It means someone you trust can handle things for you if you're ever unable to. We'll walk you through how to use a lasting power of attorney online, step by step, so you can get it sorted without too much fuss.

Key Takeaways

• You can create a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) online, which is often quicker and cheaper than using paper forms.

• There are two types of LPAs: one for Property and Financial Affairs, and another for Health and Welfare.

• To use a lasting power of attorney online, you'll need to create an account and follow the guided steps to fill out the application.

• After completing the online application, the forms must be signed and witnessed correctly before being sent off for registration.

• Once registered, your LPA can be viewed digitally, allowing you to share access with organisations when needed.

Understanding Your Lasting Power Of Attorney Options

Right then, before we even think about clicking buttons online, let's get our heads around what a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) actually is and what you need to know. It sounds a bit formal, but really, it's just a way of making sure someone you trust can sort things out for you if you can't yourself. Think of it as a safety net for your future.

What a Lasting Power of Attorney Entails

Basically, an LPA lets you pick one or more people – your 'attorneys' – to make decisions for you. This is only if you've lost the mental ability to make those decisions yourself, or if you simply don't want to. It's a legal document, so it needs to be done properly. It's all about planning ahead so your wishes are respected.

Choosing Between Property and Health LPAs

There are two main types of LPAs you can set up, and you can choose one or both:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA: This one covers things like paying bills, managing your bank accounts, buying or selling property, and dealing with investments. It's for all the money and property stuff.

• Health and Welfare LPA: This is for more personal decisions. It covers things like where you live, your day-to-day care, and medical treatments you might need. It's about your personal well-being.

You might need one, or you might need both, depending on what you want to cover. It's worth thinking about what's most important to you.

Key Information Needed For Your Application

When you're ready to apply, there are a few bits of information you'll need to have sorted. It's not loads, but it's good to be prepared:

• Your Details: Full name, address, date of birth.

• Attorney Details: You'll need the full names, addresses, and dates of birth for everyone you want to appoint as an attorney. Make sure they're over 18, by the way.

• Certificate Provider: This is someone who confirms you understand what you're signing and that you're not being pressured. They need to be someone who knows you well or a professional person (like a doctor or solicitor), but they can't be your attorney or related to them.

• How Attorneys Make Decisions: You'll need to decide if your attorneys will make decisions together, or if they can make them individually, or a mix of both. This is important!

Getting these details right from the start can save a lot of hassle later on. It's better to take a bit of extra time now than to have problems down the line when you really need the LPA to work.

It might seem like a lot to think about, but breaking it down makes it much more manageable. Just take it one step at a time.

Navigating The Online Application Process

So, you've decided to get your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) sorted online. That's a smart move, as it can really cut down on the faff. Gone are the days of wrestling with endless paper forms. The online route is generally quicker and less confusing, especially if you use a guided service. The whole point is to make setting up this important document as straightforward as possible.

Starting Your LPA Online Application

When you're ready to begin, you'll want to head over to the official government website or a reputable online service. Think of it like starting any other online form, but with a bit more weight behind it. You'll need to make sure you've got all the necessary information to hand before you start, like the full names and addresses of the people you want to appoint as your attorneys, and details of your certificate provider. It's a good idea to have a read through the requirements first, so you know exactly what's expected. You can find a good starting point for creating a legally binding power of attorney on the government's site.

Creating Your Online Account

Most online LPA services will ask you to set up an account. This usually involves providing an email address and creating a password. It's pretty standard stuff these days. You'll likely get an email to confirm your address, so keep an eye on your inbox. This account is where you'll save your progress and eventually access your completed LPA. It’s important to choose a strong password and keep it safe, as it’s the gateway to your important legal documents.

Completing The Application Form

This is where the bulk of the work happens. The online forms are designed to guide you through each section. They'll ask you about:

• Who your attorneys are: Their full names, addresses, and contact details.

• How they should act: Whether they can act jointly, individually, or a mix of both.

• Your preferences and instructions: Any specific wishes you have for your attorneys to follow.

• Your certificate provider: The person who confirms you understand the document.

Some services can take around 15 minutes to complete the application if you have all your details ready. It's worth taking your time here to get it right. Double-checking everything before you move on is a good habit to get into. If you're unsure about any part, it's better to pause and seek clarification than to make a mistake that could cause problems later.

Remember, the accuracy of the information you provide now directly impacts how your LPA will be used in the future. Take a moment to review each section carefully before hitting 'next'.

Finalising And Registering Your LPA

So, you've filled out all the forms online, which is great! But hold on, we're not quite done yet. There are a couple more important steps to get through before your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is officially ready to go. It's a bit like getting a new passport – you've done the hard bit, but there's still the waiting and the official stamp.

Signing And Witnessing The LPA Forms

This is a really key stage. The forms need to be signed in a specific order, and some signatures need to be witnessed. If you've used an online service, you'll need to print the forms out first. Here's the usual rundown:

1. You (the Donor): You sign the form first. Your signature needs to be witnessed by someone who isn't your attorney or your certificate provider.

2. The Certificate Provider: This is the person who confirms you understand what you're signing and that you're not being pressured. They sign next.

3. Your Attorney(s): Each person you've appointed as an attorney needs to sign the form too. Their signatures also need to be witnessed.

It sounds like a lot, but the online service usually guides you through this. Getting the signing order wrong is a common reason for LPAs to be rejected, so pay close attention here.

The certificate provider has a specific role. They need to be someone who knows you well and can confirm you're making the decision freely and understand the implications. They can't be a family member or your attorney, but could be a friend you've known for years or a professional like a doctor or solicitor.

The Registration Process With The OPG

Once all the signatures are in place, the forms need to be sent off to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) for registration. This is the official bit that makes your LPA legally valid. You can do this online, and it's generally the quickest way. The OPG will check everything over. This process can take a while – sometimes up to 20 weeks, though it can be quicker. They'll let you know if there are any issues, but if everything's in order, they'll send you back your registered LPA.

Understanding LPA Fees And Exemptions

There's a fee to register your LPA with the OPG. As of now, the standard fee is £82 per LPA. If you're setting up both a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA, you'll need to pay the fee for each, so that's £164 in total. However, the government knows that not everyone can afford this. If you're on a low income (earning less than £12,000 a year), you might get a 50% discount. And if you receive certain benefits, like Universal Credit or Income Support, you might not have to pay the fee at all. You'll need to check the OPG's website or contact them directly to see if you qualify for any exemptions or discounts.

Using Your Registered Lasting Power Of Attorney

So, you've gone through the whole process, filled out the forms, got them signed and witnessed, and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has finally registered your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Brilliant! But what happens now? It's not just about having the document; it's about knowing how to actually use it when the time comes.

Accessing Your LPA Digitally

One of the big advantages of using the online service is that your LPA is now accessible digitally. This means you don't have to worry about losing a paper copy. The OPG has a service called 'View an LPA' where you can access your registered LPA online. This is super handy because it means you can quickly get to the details if you need them. It's worth noting that any LPAs registered from January 1st, 2016, onwards can be viewed this way, including any specific instructions or preferences you included when you set it up.

Sharing Your LPA With Organisations

When you need your attorneys to act on your behalf, they'll often need to show proof of their authority to banks, building societies, or other organisations. Instead of handing over a physical copy, you can now share your LPA digitally. This usually involves giving the organisation an 'activation key' which they can use to access your LPA details securely online. It's a much quicker and more secure way to do things than sending off paper copies, which can take ages to get back.

Understanding Attorney Responsibilities

It's really important that your attorneys understand what's expected of them. They have a big responsibility, and they need to act in your best interests at all times. This means making decisions as if they were you, considering your wishes and values. They can't just do whatever they want; they have to follow any instructions you left in the LPA and think carefully about your health, welfare, and finances.

Your attorneys must always act in your best interests. This means they should consider your past and present wishes, your values, and anything that might influence your decisions. They also need to encourage you to get involved in decisions as much as possible and keep your information confidential.

Here's a quick rundown of what they generally need to do:

• Act in your best interests: This is the golden rule. Everything they do must be for your benefit.

• Follow your instructions: If you wrote specific instructions or preferences in your LPA, they must follow them.

• Keep your information private: They shouldn't share details about your finances or personal life unless it's necessary for their role.

• Keep accounts: For Property and Financial Affairs LPAs, they usually need to keep records of money they've managed for you.

• Seek advice: If they're unsure about something, they should get advice from professionals, like solicitors or doctors.

Once your Lasting Power of Attorney is registered, it's ready to be used. This means your chosen person can start making decisions for you if you're unable to. It's a vital step in planning for the future. To learn more about how to use your registered LPA, visit our website today.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it. Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney online might sound like a big job, but as we've seen, it's actually pretty straightforward these days. By following the steps, you can get it sorted in no time, making sure your wishes are known and your affairs are in order should you ever need them to be. It’s a bit like getting your affairs in order for a rainy day – you hope it never comes, but it’s good to be prepared. Taking the time to do this online really does make the whole process less of a headache than it used to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

Think of an LPA as a special document that lets you choose someone you really trust, called an 'attorney'. This person can then make important decisions for you about your money, property, health, or personal care if you're ever unable to make those decisions yourself. It's like giving someone a permission slip for the future, just in case.

Are there different kinds of LPAs?

Yes, there are two main types. The first is a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, which allows your attorney to handle things like your bank accounts, paying bills, and managing your house. The second is a Health and Welfare LPA, which lets them make decisions about your medical treatment, where you live, and your daily care.

Can I really do this all online?

Absolutely! The process has become much simpler. You can now fill out and submit your LPA application online. It's designed to guide you through each step, making it quicker and easier than dealing with lots of paper forms. You'll still need to print and sign the final documents, though.

How long does it take to register an LPA?

After you've filled out the forms and they've been signed and witnessed correctly, they need to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). This registration part can take a while, sometimes up to 20 weeks, depending on how busy they are. It's important to remember that your LPA isn't legally usable until it's registered.

Do I have to pay to register an LPA?

There is a registration fee, which is currently £82. However, if you're on a low income or receive certain benefits, you might be able to get a discount or even be exempt from paying the fee altogether. It's worth checking the details for any help you might qualify for.

What if I make a mistake on the online form?

The online system is pretty clever and usually checks for common mistakes as you go along. This helps make sure your application is correct before you submit it. If you're really unsure about anything, you can always get advice from a solicitor, although it will cost more than doing it yourself online.