Increase in registrations of Lasting Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Attorney recorded by the Office of the Public Guardian

Figures from the Office of the Public Guardian show that registration applications for both Lasting Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Attorney peaked at more than 8,000 in September and are expected to rise to 10,000 or more in December.

Powers of Attorney allow people who can no longer manage their own affairs to appoint others to do so on their behalf. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:

1. Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney, which allows attorneys to deal with property and finances on someone’s behalf. A Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney can be used at any time after registration.

2. Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney which allows attorneys to deal with medical care on behalf of someone who lacks mental capacity for example because of Alzheimer’s. A Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney can only be used if you lack mental capacity.

Once a Lasting Power of Attorney has been completed and signed, it will be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Enduring Powers of Attorney were replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney in October 2007, although Enduring Powers of Attorney created before October 2007 are still valid. Under an Enduring Power of Attorney, an attorney can act on behalf of someone without applying for registration with the Court of Protection.

If you are faced with dealing with someone’s else’s affairs or would like to know more about Powers of Attorney, please phone 01858 445493 for a free initial appointment now or complete one of the on-line forms.