In response to their recent consultation, the Government has shelved plans to create a fully online process for the creation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (‘LPAs’).

A partially online service is already operational and requires users to print out and sign hard copies of the relevant forms. The Government’s proposals involved putting the entire process online with the use of electronic signatures.

However, respondents to the Government’s consultation raised concerns that the full online process provided the capacity for financial abuse and fraud as well as proving potentially unsuitable for elderly clients.

Proposals to combine the LPAs for health and welfare and for property and finance have also been abandoned with respondents expressing concern that a combined form could cause confusion and lead to errors.

The Government instead plans to produce simplified forms including provision for individuals to state when they wish their LPAs to come into effect. The Office of the Public Guardian are expected to publish the new forms early next year.

For more information on LPAs and how they might benefit you, please contact the partner at Hunters having responsibility for your legal matters, or (for new enquiries) please contact a partner in the Private Client team.