Lasting Powers of Attorney (and older Enduring Powers of Attorney) are legal documents which allow a person to appoint someone they know and trust to make decisions about their financial affairs and/or health and welfare if they were to lose capacity to manage their own affairs in the future. The Office of the Public Guardian (“the OPG”) is the statutory body which is responsible for overseeing LPAs and EPAs. Before a LPA can be used it must be registered with the OPG.
An EPA must be registered with the OPG if the person who made it is becoming or has become mentally incapable of handling their own financial affairs. From 1st October 2013, the OPG has reduced its registration fee from £130 to £110 per document. Depending on your financial circumstances, registration fee exemptions or remission may still apply. For more information regarding LPAs, please contact a member of our Wills and Probate team on 01204 535261.