Record numbers of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are being registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
In May 2010 the OPG received 13,552 applications for registration compared with 6,312 in May 2009. Itis suspected that the surge is as a result of increased public awareness about the benefits of making an LPA and in particular a feature on BBC’s The One Show.
In a recent OPG statement the turnaround time from receipt to dispatch of a LPA is reported to be an average of 13 weeks which will cause problems if an LPA needs to be implemented urgently. The 13 week period includes a statutory waiting period of 6 weeks for objections to registration to be raised. The OPG are taking measures to reduce turnaround time including staff working weekend and twilight shifts.
Clients considering putting an LPA in place should bear this timescale in mind and if there is a requirement in the near future to use the LPA they should consider making the application for registration now. Remember, LPAs must be registered with the OPG before they can be used by an Attorney.
Guidance notes for clients who may be interested in making a LPA can be found here. Current fees are £450 + VAT for a single property and financial affairs LPA and £650 + VAT for double property and financial affairs LPAs (i.e. husband and wife). For those also wanting to make health and welfare LPAs fee quotes can be provided upon request. Please note that in addition to the legal fees quoted the OPG charge a fee of £120 per document when the LPA is registered with them.
