Currently, all Lasting Power of Attorney issues are dealt with via the Powers of Attorney Act 2023.
However, there will be upcoming changes to this piece of legislation that are designed to update and modernise the law, and solicitors in North Wales may be tasked with explaining these pending changes to their clients.
One of the more significant updates that has already started to be implemented involves digitising the application process so paperwork can be completed online. It is expected that this will drastically reduce waiting and processing times. However, provisions will continue to be made for those who cannot access internet-based services and paper copies of forms may still be requested.
Further proposals include giving the Office of Public Guardian more widespread powers to investigate individual cases of lasting power of attorney applications and ensure that the rights and safety of the donor are maintained. This, alongside another recommendation that attorneys must start to report donor deaths to the Office of Public Guardian, are designed to not only make the process faster and more efficient, but to also strengthen the already existing safeguards for the donor. Solicitors in Porthmadog will be encouraged to inform their customers that there is a register of lasting power of attorney in the UK as part of a proposed drive to raise awareness of this directory.
Make contact today with one of our legal advisors here at Bennett Smith Solicitors and ask us for more details about lasting power of attorney.
