The digitisation of LPAs

This week, the government launched a 12-week consultation into the modernisation of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA’s). 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.

 

SFE is a national organisation of lawyers, such as solicitors, barristers and legal executives, committed to providing and promoting high-quality legal services for older people, their family and carers. 

 

Sharon Richardson and Belinda-Jane Poulter based at our York office are members of SFE and Bethany Worthy based at our Pickering office (covering Ryedale) is a SFE Associate Member. Members of SFE have a wealth of experience within this key legal area and they are required to have spent a substantial amount of time working for elderly clients so you can be confident about the service you receive.

 

Read more about our elderly client services.