Government launch review of the LPA process

This week, the government launched a 12-week consultation into the modernisation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA’s).

An LPA is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions about your finances, health, and care on your behalf, should you lose mental capacity. The consultation aims to examine the process of creating and registering an LPA, with a view to modernising and speeding up the system utilising digital technology.

Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), the membership organisation for specialist solicitors who support older and vulnerable people, made the below comments on the launch of the review.

“Modernising the process could offer a more simplified and user-friendly platform. It could also make creating an LPA more affordable and encourage more people to consider making one. However, simplifying the process also carries greater risks, including making mistakes in your application, abuse of power and fraud. You should always speak with an experienced lawyer who will be able to understand your circumstances and ensure that your LPA is well drafted, clearly setting out what you want and will be approved”.

“Digitalisation is happening worldwide and offers a fantastic opportunity to improve many legal services, but a fully digitalised platform could mean more older and vulnerable people being targeted for fraud, coerced or abused. The new system must offer appropriate safeguarding measures to ensure people are protected when making life changing decisions.

“SFE has been part of the stakeholder group which has assisted throughout the consultation process to provide feedback and advice and I’m glad that solicitors will be able to have their say on such an important service”

Peter Taylor and Nimalee Bastian-Carter, Solicitors at Judge & Priestley LLP, are members of SFE, and specialise in supporting older and vulnerable people with their legal issues. If you have any queries regarding LPA’s, please contact them by calling 020 8290 0333 or fill in our Contact Form.