A Lasting Power of Attorney is as important as a will, yet most people don’t know about them, or realise that you can put one in place long before you ever need it. So long as you are of sound mental capacity, you can create an LPA when you are 18 and above. This lasting document ensures your chosen representative can act for you in matters of finance and medical care. If you are unable to make these decisions for yourself, your attorney will make them for you.
Who should be an LPA attorney?
Some people choose family members to act as their LPA attorney, while others choose friends, or even their solicitor. visit Power of Attorney Online for more information.
What is the LPA certificate provider?
The LPA certificate provider is the individual who confirms that the donor making the Lasting Power of Attorney online is able to understand what they are doing and the implications of the LPA. The certificate provider also ensures that the individual is not being placed under undue pressure to make the LPA or choose a certain attorney.
In this sense, the certificate provider takes on a vital safeguarding role, to make sure the donor is mentally able to make the LPA and is doing it of their own free will. The certificate provider will do this by speaking to the donor to talk about their reasons for creating an LPA and their understanding of the document.
Who can be an LPA certificate provider?
An LPA certificate provider must be aged 18 or over, and not be a close family member of either the attorney or donor, or an attorney named in the LPA. It can be someone known by the donor on a personal level for two years or more, or an individual who can assess mental capacity as part of their professional role, such as a healthcare professional or a solicitor.
This certificate is a vital part of the overall LPA and will be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. The LPA is not legally recognised without this valid certificate.