If you have arranged your Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) since September 2019, then we strongly recommend that you also register your LPA document online. Here is our nutshell guide on the merits of online registration.
What is the advantage of registering my LPA online?
The digital service is designed to be a more convenient way to share the details in your LPA online with other organisations. For instance, once registered there should be no need to go into the bank branch to provide paper copies of LPA forms for verification.
What can I do with an online LPA that I can’t do with my paper copy?
The online service allows you to:
- Invite banks or other organisations to view a summary of your LPA
- keep track of which people or organisations have been given access to your LPA
- view your LPA summary
- see how people named on your LPA are using the service
I am an attorney - will online registration save me time?
The regulator, the Office of the Public Guardian, claims that online registration reduces the time that it takes to register the LPA document with organisations such as banks, energy companies etc.
Why wasn’t I told about this service before?
The service was launched in Summer 2020 and has only recently been extended for existing LPAs to be registered. The new cut-off date allows LPAs registered since September 2019 to be uploaded.
I am an attorney, can I register the LPA online?
Yes, donors and attorneys can register the document. Unfortunately, your solicitor cannot register the document for you, though we can advise you on the process.
I want to register my LPA online, what do I do?
If your LPA was registered on or after 17 July 2020, then refer to the covering letter that you received to find your activation key for the online service. Full instructions are on the letter and via: https://www.gov.uk/use-lasting-power-of-attorney
If your LPA was registered between 1 September 2019 and 16 July 2020, you can obtain an activation key for the online service via the same link: https://www.gov.uk/use-lasting-power-of-attorney
If your LPA was registered before 1 September 2019 then unfortunately you cannot register your LPA online. However, it is hoped that this changes subject to funding at the regulator, the Office of the Public Guardian.
Where can I find further information?
The Office of the Public Guardian have produced a demonstration video that shows the registration process from your side…and also how the bank or the organisation uses the information.
The dedicated information page is here: https://www.gov.uk/use-lasting-power-of-attorney
Alternatively, speak to our specialist team at Harrowells who can guide you through all aspects of Lasting Powers of Attorney