The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Act 2023 lays out the ways in which these important legal arrangements are detailed and carried out.
The two LPA’s that are most commonly used are property and financial affairs as well as health and welfare. Solicitors in Bangor often urge all of their clients considering estate planning to include an LPA to ensure their affairs are dealt with in an appropriate manner should the worst happen to their health or mental capacity.
The new act is designed to incorporate recent technologies such as the use of digital platforms, where LPA’s can be registered and managed. Not only does the use of these ensure that delays are minimised, but they also reduce the risk of mistakes. Those who have an original, paper version of an LPA could now start to consider upgrading this to the online kind, but it is worth remembering that the intended platform for these has not yet gone live.
Other changes to LPA’s that are due to be implemented soon include the increase in identification checks for proposed attorneys. This means that only those who have the appropriate identity documents can undertake this role. Donor only means that the person making the LPA must be confident that their attorney is trustworthy and able to carry out their instructions if needed. Anyone acting as an attorney can disclaim this role by completing a LPA005 form.
Pick up the phone now and speak to us here at Bennett Smith Solicitors and book some time to speak to one of our experts about an LPA.
