A change for EPA
Date Posted: 28/07/2008
Since October 2007 there has been a change of the rules if you become mentally incapacitated that allow someone to look after your financial affairs. The enduring power of attorney (EPA) arrangement will be replaced by lasting power of attorney (LPA), which will offer new benefits and safeguards.
There will be a choice of two types of LPA. One that will deal with your property and affairs (Property & Affairs LPA), and which gives control over monetary matters, and one which covers medication and your care (LPA Personal Welfare). You do not need to have both.
An LPA has no legal standing until it is registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Either you or your attorney can apply to the Public Guardian to register your LPA. The application can be made at any time after you have made an LPA. In contrast, an EPA, once set up, has to be registered with the courts, at a cost of £120, only when someone becomes mentally incapacitated.
