Applying for a lasting power of attorney, or LPA, is an important step to help you plan for the future. You might be appointing someone to help make decisions about your health, to manage your financial affairs on your behalf, or both. Getting it right the first time will help save stress when applying, so let’s look at some top tips.
Keep the forms separate and check them
It is easy sometimes to mix up your paperwork, especially if you are making more than one LPA; for example, you may be applying for one for finances and one for health or applying with a partner. Before sending off your forms, make sure you double-check to ensure they are complete and that the pages are in the right order.
Follow the signing order
One of the biggest mistakes made is signing the LPA forms in the wrong order. The person making the LPA, also called the donor, must sign first, followed by the certificate provider to confirm the donor’s mental capacity. The attorneys and replacements sign next to confirm they agree to act. Make sure your signatures are dated and signed in the correct order. You can create an LPA online through companies such as powerofattorneyonline.co.uk.
Certificate provider
Your certificate provider must be a professional who knows you well, such as your doctor or solicitor. It can’t be a family member or any of the named attorneys in your paperwork, and this person must sign again if a replacement sheet is needed during the process.
Use full names and sign in the correct boxes
Don’t use nicknames or initials, as you must use the full legal names of everybody involved and make sure they sign in the right signature boxes. Witnesses also need to provide their full name and address upon signing the LPA.
No pencil or Tippex
You must use black ink for your LPA forms, and don’t use any correction fluid or pencil. If you make a mistake on your paperwork, you can simply cross it out clearly and make sure everyone involved initials the error.