Thinking about the future can be challenging. This is especially true regarding scenarios that are difficult to think about. However, as we age and the risk of unforeseen health issues grows, planning ahead becomes essential.
During these times, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a helpful tool. An LPA is a
legal document that allows someone to make decisions on your behalf when you don’t have the ability to make them yourself.
However, you’ll need to register your LPA to ensure it’s legally recognised. From filling out the forms to submitting your OPG LPA online, there are many essential steps you need to follow.
In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in registering your LPA so that it
can be effectively utilised to make decisions on your behalf.
Let’s begin!
1) Choose your attorneys
The first step is to carefully choose your attorneys—the people who will make decisions on your behalf. You can select one or more people to be your attorney. If you appoint more than one attorney, you’ll also need to decide if they’ll have to make decisions together or separately.
Your attorney could be a friend, a relative, your partner, or a professional you know. They need to be over the age of eighteen and have the mental capacity to make their own decisions.
As choosing an attorney for your LPA is such an important decision, you need to pick carefully. Consider how well you know them and if you trust them to make decisions in your best interests before making your choice.
2) Fill out the LPA forms
Next, you’ll need to fill out the official LPA forms. You can choose to make your lasting power of attorney online or using paper forms. There are two main types of LPAs — health and welfare LPA and property and financial affairs LPA. You can choose to complete one or both, depending on your specific needs.
The LPA forms will need detailed information, including all the specifics of your attorneys’ powers. Carefully follow the instructions on the forms when filling out the documents. You need to complete all the sections accurately, as any mistakes or missing information could delay the registration process.
3) Notify people
If you’ve named people to be notified before the LPA is registered, this is when you need to notify them. This step is optional, but it can be an effective way to ensure transparency and avoid conflict in the future.
4) Sign and witness the LPA
Once the forms are completed, you and your chosen attorney(s) will need to sign and date the LPA in front of witnesses. The witnesses will also need to sign and date the LPA.
Additionally, your LPA will need to be certified by a ‘certificate provider’. The LPA certificate provider ensures that you understand the document and are not being pressured into signing it.
5) Submit the LPA to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
After all signatures are in place, you’ll need to submit your LPA documents to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) for registration. In this step, you will have to send the completed forms along with a registration fee.
The OPG will then review the document to ensure everything is in order. This is an essential step, as your LPA won’t be valid until it’s officially registered.
6) Wait for confirmation of the registration
The OPG can take 8 to 10 weeks to process and register your LPA after you’ve submitted your application. During this time, they may get in touch with you if there are any issues regarding your documents or if any additional information is required.
Once the LPA has been registered by the OPG, you’ll receive a confirmation of registration message from them. This confirmation normally includes a registration certificate along with a unique reference number.
7) Store the registered LPA safely
Once you’ve received your registered LPA, you need to store it in a safe place so that it can be easily accessed by your attorneys when needed. Keep a few certified copies on hand to use if the original is not available.
Inform your attorneys and a close family member about where the document is stored so they can act efficiently when needed. By storing your registered LPA safely, you can ensure your wishes will be respected when the time comes.
To wrap up
An LPA is an essential legal document that can help you safeguard your future. That’s why it’s important to set one up as soon as you can. However, you need to make sure that your LPA is accurately filled out and properly registered to ensure it remains effective and legally binding. By keeping the above points in mind, you can swiftly register your LPA and take
control of your future.
