This week, the government launched a 12-week consultation into the modernisation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (‘LPAs’). An LPA is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions about your finances, health, and care for you should you lose mental capacity. The consultation aims to examine the process of creating and registering an LPA, with a view to modernise this with a new digital system.

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.

Solicitors for the Elderly (‘SFE’) has been part of the stakeholder group which has assisted throughout the consultation process to provide feedback and advice and we are glad that solicitors will be able to have their say on such an important service.

If you have any queries about making a Lasting Power of Attorney, please contact Tom Edwards on 01372 721 122. Tom is a Solicitor and a Full Accredited Member of SFE, the membership organisation for specialist solicitors who support older and vulnerable people.