Putting in place a Lasting Power of Attorney is important when making a plan for your future, but just creating the document isn’t enough. Many people don’t realise that registration is another important step that should be completed as soon as possible.
Current Registration Timelines
The registration process on Gov.uk has become longer in recent years, and it can take up to 20 weeks from submission to completion. This longer timeline makes it more important than ever to start the registration process quickly after creating your LPA.
Historic Practice and Problems
In the past, some people delayed registering their LPAs to save money on fees because they thought they could just register the document when needed. This approach made sense when registration took only 8-10 weeks. However, with the longer processing times this is no longer a good idea. The previous system of Enduring Power of Attorney only needed registration when mental capacity was lost. LPAs operate differently, and registration doesn’t affect your ability to make your own decisions.
The Importance of Registering Quickly
Registering your LPA straight away has several important advantages. First, it makes sure that the document meets all the legal requirements, and it has been filled out correctly. Any errors can then be found and corrected while you still have full capacity to do so. This can also prevent any delays during times when you might be vulnerable or unable to make decisions. Firms such as powerofattorneyonline.co.uk can assist with setting up a power of attorney online.
Practical Benefits of Early Registration
A Property and Financial LPA can be used immediately by your attorneys with your permission, even while you still have mental capacity. This can be important if you need temporary assistance managing your finances during a hospital stay or period of illness. For Health and Welfare LPAs, quick registration is even more important. In a medical emergency, your attorneys may need to act quickly to make decisions on your behalf. Waiting for registration during a crisis could leave your loved ones unable to help when you need them most.