The Office of the Public Guardian has announced the launch of a new digital tool called ‘Use a Lasting Power of Attorney’ which is designed to make life easier for anyone who is acting as an attorney on behalf of someone else.
The portal replaces the current time-consuming paper-based process for contacting organisations like banks and healthcare providers. Historically, this has led to weeks of delay, as documents need to be requested and confirmed between organisations and individuals, before being posted as physical copies.
The new service can be accessed at www.gov.uk/opg.
When accessing the portal, the new system will allow those acting as an attorney to provide a secure code, which when submitted to the online portal will quickly confirm their status as an attorney and the power they hold, authorising them to take immediate actions on their loved ones’ behalf.
Importantly, existing safeguarding checks are retained, and these include confirming whether someone has the legal right to act as an attorney and the powers permitted. This will ensure that the vulnerable and elderly are still protected from abuse of a lasting power of attorney.
How we can help
If you wish to discuss arranging a lasting power of attorney, our highly experienced private client solicitors can guide you through the whole process.
For further information, please contact Cerrig Parr in the wills and probate team on 01435 890 101 or email cerrigparr@hugheslaw.co.uk.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.