Lasting Powers of Attorney to be available online

As of next April, you will now be able to apply for a lasting power of attorney as one of the digital services made available, the Ministry of Justice has revealed.

The online application is one of the services to meet central government's call for 'digital by default' available to the public and is to be introduced by April 2015.

It was proposed last July that the application should be available online during a consultation by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). They aim to boost the number of people using the digital format which is currently around 200,000 a year. It would be much more convenient for customers and would reduce the number of errors made.

At the time, Alan Eccles, the public guardian, said, "More and more people are now taking the important decision to apply for lasting powers of attorney and we want to make sure we provide the best possible service for them - one that is simple, straightforward and effective."

He added, "The proposed new online application process will make applying simpler and quicker, while the changes we plan to make in the "back-office" will make the whole service more efficient."

One quote on the Law Society website reads, "I have seen over the years so much greed and rapacious behaviour by relatives and others, that I am very concerned that diluting the personal aspect of the current process will greatly increase the incidence of fraud against the most vulnerable."

Remember when you are looking to apply for a Lasting Power of Attorney, you must fully understand the implications and terms of the agreement. If you do require any assistance, Ross Legal can ensure all the correct steps are made when you apply.

Contact Edwin on 0161 720 7200 if you are looking to apply for power of attorney, a lasting power of attorney, appointeeship or any other financial matters.

Edwin Ross

Ross Legal LLP

Power of Attorney Solicitors

Salford, Prestwich, Whitefield