News & insights No to digital Lasting Powers of Attorney… for now 2 minutes of reading - Written by Roche Legal Plans have been halted for the time being to introduce the paperless creation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Although there is a partial online system, all LPAs still need to be printed out and signed by hand – and then of course posted to the Office of the Public Guardian to be registered. A fully online system hopes to simplify the process, although there have been concerns over security and forgery, not to mention undue influence and the fact that some people may not have access to the internet. It seems all concerns have yet to be fully addressed. The main stumbling block in practical terms seems to be the fact that electronic signatures are still not valid in England and Wales and, in any event, the signature of the person giving the Lasting Powers of Attorney also needs to be witnessed. Despite this, consultation launched in October will lead to the simplification of the process, specifically allowing the person who is making the Lasting Power of Attorney to say when the power is to come into effect. How Roche Legal can help We are reassuring experts who can help you with a wide range of legal matters. Please get in touch if you need legal support with: Trusts and Estate Planning Wills Probate and Estate Administration Contested Probate and Will Disputes Powers of Attorney Court of Protection matters Presumption of Death Applications Missing Persons Guardianship Applications Further Reading Is your Will registered? Ensuring your Will is registered allows your family to easily locate it and respect your wishes after you have passed on. We can register your Will with Certainty, the National Will Register, often free of charge. New Intestacy Rules have come into force As of 1 October 2014, the rules for distributing assets without a Will have changed, potentially leading to unintended distributions. While the new rules simplify matters, they still require careful consideration, especially for those with children or in second marriages, to ensure wishes are clearly laid out and tax liabilities are minimized. No to digital Lasting Powers of Attorney… for now Plans to introduce the paperless creation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney have been halted due to concerns over security, forgery, and accessibility. Currently, LPAs must still be printed, signed by hand, and posted to the Office of the Public Guardian for registration. View all insights Ready for clear, reliable legal advice? Contact us for straightforward advice that makes things easier, saves you money, and gives you peace of mind. Contact us