Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) - it’s just a form!


Over coffee a short while ago someone opined that they did not understand why people would pay solicitors to do LPAs for them - “It is just a form”


A form, indeed it is.  All 20 pages of it.  Plus 3 ancillary pages.  There’s a fairly sizeable guide as well.  I know this as S and I have very recently done our Health and Welfare LPAs ourselves.  Our Financial LPAs were registered some time ago.  We did those ourselves as well.  At this juncture I am almost tempted to say that it has taken us years to get over the stress of doing the financial ones to get on and deal with our Health and Welfare ones but that wasn’t actually the real reason.  Rather, at that point, whilst I was curiously ok(ish) thinking about the financials and having someone talk to the bank for me and deal with my bills, I didn’t want to think about (a) not being able to tell medical staff what I wanted; or (b) not be in a position to say I did not want the cupboard between the lift and the public loo at the care home as my bedroom.


However, with turning 60 and my enthusiasm to get everything in order, (Lord knows there will still be stuff on my ‘to do’ list when I die), it was nagging, at the back of my mind, in a pounding headache right between the eyes sort of way.


For us, as I imagine for many, much of the form did not need filling in.  This leads to a level of confidence that is cruelly pulled from under one when it comes to getting signatures witnessed and certificates provided.  


Frankly, I was at the point where I was wondering why I was not making a bank transfer to a Law firm, where there were any number of witnesses who know what they were doing and would be very patient with others (outwardly at least).  Seriously, my sister managed to sign one in the wrong name.  


Don’t get me wrong it is, indeed, just a form and if you throw a party with friends you have known for 2 years plus or doctors/lawyers it’ll be a breeze in a methodical, check and double check each post it note signature clause kind of way.  Maybe best not to open a bottle before completing the paperwork and keep an eye on those with ‘professional’ names.


For my part I entirely understand why people would want to and maybe should pay solicitors to deal with these for them.  I bet the OPG is grateful for a smoother transit to registration also!

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