GET IT RIGHT FIRST TIME

How Long does a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application take?

Currently the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is taking approximately 20 weeks to register LPA’s once the documents have been submitted for registration. The timeframe will be much longer if the LPA is sent for registration and rejected due to any errors. If this is the case, then it may be necessary for all parties involved to re-sign their sections of the LPA’s due to the order in which they must be signed.

Three common mistakes people make when registering

a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

1. LPA’s must be signed and dated in a particular order. If the LPA is not signed and dated in the correct order it will be rejected.

2. Any errors, amendments or crossings out must be initialed correctly. If a date is unclear or has been amended and it is not initialed the OPG will not be able to register the LPA. Names and dates of birth must also be correct. If they are not and the LPA is registered with incorrect details the Attorneys are likely to have difficulty applying the LPA when it is required.

3. Instructions and/or preferences in the LPA may be unclear or contradictory. There is a section in both types of LPA where the Donor can state what their Attorney must or cannot do, and they can also provide guidance regarding things that are optional. If the instructions are unlawful or unclear, it might not be possible for the LPA to be registered. A repeat application would then incur more cost, stress and delays in having the LPA’s registered and issued.

Here at RG Law we guide our clients through the process, take away the hassle, provide advice and ensure their application is submitted to the OPG correctly on the first submission.

If you would like us to help you with the preparation of your LPA’s call us on 01904 234091 or 0208 269 9901.