A Lasting Power of Attorney, LPA, is a vital document which appoints attorneys to make decisions for you if you are temporarily incapacitated or feel you are no longer able to make them on your own. There are two kinds of LPA one covering finance and property and the other health and welfare.
It is designed to protect your decisions.
You can find information about creating a Power of Attorney online by searching for specialists such as https://powerofattorneyonline.co.uk.
Where is the power of attorney registered?
Your power of attorney will be registered at the Office of the Public Guardian.
What happens if I lose my copy?
Should you mislay your own copy of the LPA, you need to take action as soon as possible, but do not worry, since the OPG will have a copy.
First, contact the OPG and give the donor and attorney details, including addresses and the date the document was registered, if you have it. Ask for a certified copy of the LPA. They will send a document which has the same legal validity as the original. It is advisable to ask for more than one copy if you have mislaid the original. You may have to send documents to institutions such as banks and building societies.
A fee is payable for each copy. It may be some time before you receive the copies, so be prepared for this. If the circumstances are pressing, make sure you explain them.
You can remain confident that the OPG will have a permanent copy and full records.
