A Quick Guide to Completing Your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) Forms
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is an essential step in ensuring your wishes are respected, and your affairs are managed by trusted individuals if you become unable to make decisions yourself. Here's a concise walkthrough of what to expect and how to correctly complete your LPA forms.
Types of LPA Forms
There are two types of LPA forms:
Health and Welfare – Covers decisions about your medical care, daily routines, and end-of-life preferences.
Property and Financial Affairs – Manages your finances, property, and bills.
Both forms are almost identical in structure, so understanding one will help you complete the other.
Key Sections to Note
Donor and Attorneys
Donor: This is you, the person setting up the LPA.
Attorneys: These are the individuals you choose to manage your affairs. You can appoint one or two attorneys, and optionally, backup (replacement) attorneys.
Pre-Filled Information
Much of the form will be pre-filled for you. Double-check the details to ensure everything is accurate.
Signature Sections
Section 5: Sign here but do not date. A witness must also sign and provide their full name and address.
Section 9: Another signature is required here, with the same witness requirements.
Section 11: Attorneys must sign and have their signatures witnessed. Again, no one should date these sections to avoid processing delays.
Certificate Provider
A certificate provider, whose details should already be filled in, must sign Section 10 to confirm you understand the LPA and aren’t under any pressure to create it.
Registration
In Section 15, the donor (you) must sign to register the LPA. If you're including payment via check, the registration process is typically faster.
Important Notes
Do Not Date: None of the sections should be dated before submission. Incorrect dates can lead to rejection by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and additional fees for re-registration.
Witnesses: Witnesses must sign wherever indicated and provide their full details.
Payment: You can include a check for the registration fee or opt for OPG to contact you for payment.
Completing the Property and Financial LPA
The property and financial LPA includes an extra signature section near the end. Ensure this is signed correctly, with the same rules about witnessing and not dating.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. Completing these forms correctly ensures your LPA is processed smoothly and serves its purpose when needed.
Get in touch with Andy for expert help via our contact form.
