What is Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a powerful legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust (your 'attorney') to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself due to accident or illness. It's a crucial part of future planning, providing peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones.

Setting Up Your LPA: The Professional Approach

Creating a legally sound LPA involves several critical steps. It's vital that the person making the LPA (the 'donor') fully understands the implications and that the document accurately reflects their wishes and is correctly executed to be valid.

Step 1: Choosing Professional Guidance vs. DIY Risks

While online templates exist to create an LPA yourself, this route carries significant risks. The forms are complex, and even minor errors in completion or signing order can invalidate the document, leading to rejection by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). This results in wasted time, lost application fees, and potentially leaving you unprotected when you need it most. Using a professional service like AIB Estate Planning ensures the process is handled correctly from start to finish. We provide expert guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring your LPA is robust, valid, and truly reflects your intentions.

Given the importance of the document and the potential pitfalls of errors, professional assistance is strongly recommended, especially if you have complex assets, specific family requirements, or simply want the peace of mind that comes from knowing it's done right.

Step 2: Choosing Your Attorney(s) Wisely

Selecting the right person or people to act as your attorney(s) is one of the most crucial decisions. They should be:

• Someone you trust implicitly (must be 18 or over).
• Reliable, organised, and capable of managing potentially complex affairs.
• Willing and able to dedicate the necessary time and effort.
• Able to make decisions in your best interests, sometimes under pressure.

You can appoint multiple attorneys and decide if they must act 'jointly' (all decisions made together) or 'jointly and severally' (able to act together or independently). AIB Estate Planning can help you consider the implications of these choices.

Step 3: Accurate Completion and Signing

The LPA forms must be completed accurately and signed in a strict, specific order by the donor, the certificate provider, and the attorneys. Any deviation can invalidate the LPA. Our team ensures every detail is correct, preventing costly delays and rejections.

A 'certificate provider' must also sign. This is an impartial person who confirms that you understand the LPA and are not under pressure to make it. This can be a professional with relevant skills, such as a solicitor or doctor, or someone who has known you well for at least two years. They cannot be an attorney or replacement attorney, a family member of you or an attorney, or certain people connected with your business or a care home where you live. We can assist in ensuring this role is fulfilled correctly.

Step 4: Registering with the OPG

For an LPA to be legally valid, it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The registration fee is £92 for each LPA as of 2026, so registering both types costs £184. Fee reductions or exemptions are available for those on certain benefits or low incomes. AIB Estate Planning handles the entire registration process for you.

Registration currently takes several weeks (sometimes months), so it's crucial to register the LPA while you still have capacity. Waiting until it's needed will cause significant delays.

Secure Your Future with AIB Estate Planning

At AIB Estate Planning, we specialize in making the LPA process clear, efficient, and stress-free. Our dedicated team provides a comprehensive service:

• Expert, jargon-free advice tailored to your personal and financial situation.
• Careful guidance on selecting the most suitable attorneys.
• Precise completion of all necessary LPA documentation.
• Ensuring correct signing and witnessing procedures.
• Managing the full registration process with the OPG.
• Secure storage options for your completed documents.

Don't leave crucial decisions about your health and finances to chance or burden your family with complex court procedures. Investing in a professionally drafted Lasting Power of Attorney provides invaluable protection and peace of mind. Contact AIB Estate Planning today for a free initial consultation and let us help you secure your future.