HELP with Power of Attorney

dzug1

novice-saver wrote: »

If have three "office copies" which are as good as the original from a legal standpoint, and I've had no problems using them (so far).

Whilst they may be good, I came across one organisation that wouldn't accept an office copy until it had been certified by a solicitor. (the solicitor thought it odd too....)

And several who managed to lose office copies.

stevepett

The loss of an EPA or LPA could potentially cost tens of thousands of pounds, so be VERY careful and always get a receipt if forced to leave a copy or original behind.

The Office of the Public Guardian will give TWO free office copies at the time of registration - but only if you ask (and that was a BIG trade secret!)

Steve

Biggles

dzug1 wrote: »

Whilst they may be good, I came across one organisation that wouldn't accept an office copy until it had been certified by a solicitor. (the solicitor thought it odd too....)

And several who managed to lose office copies.

I'm not sure what an 'office copy' is, but generally banks require a 'certified copy', with the solicitor's stamp and signature on each page. My solicitor certified a few copies FOC.

alanq

stevepett wrote: »

The Office of the Public Guardian will give TWO free office copies at the time of registration - but only if you ask (and that was a BIG trade secret!)

That no longer seems to be the case.

"Office copy of EPA/LPA fee £25.00 - This fee is payable on application for an office copy of an EPA/LPA. No refund is available. "

Perhaps when the fee was reduced from £150 to £120 the "free" copies ceased.

http://www.publicguardian.gov.uk/about/OPG-fees.htm

I thought that an "office copy" was a copy certified by the OPG at the time the original POA was registered.

alanq

Ombudsman investigations into POAs

Note Case 53/4
"banking – power of attorney – firm insists on registration of power despite medical evidence that donor is not lacking mental capacity"
complaint upheld
http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/ombudsman-news/52/powers-of-attorney.htm

Loanranger

I agree, the Coventry Building Society understands POA. I have control of an elderly relative's finances via POA and their account is with the Coventry.

Bella1954

Just to update everyone - I have had SUCCESS! I wrote to the head of the HSBC Legal Department - I googled the name of the person and went directly to him. I got an email within 5 days saying his deputy would look into my problem. Today I had a letter to say they have set up internet access for me and instructed my branch to help me should I ever get a problem. I had to go into the branch to sign a form and asked if they were now aware of how it should be and could be done if anyone else has the same problem. Unbelievably they told me that my case is a 'one off' and nothing is changing for other customers. I am amazed, very grateful, but completely amazed. Firstly as time passes more and more people will want to use the internet to help elderly relatives control their accounts. Secondly, why on earth am I a special case? Having said that, thank goodness I am.

stevepett

Banks are clueless.

An office copy of an LPA should be even better than a certified copy.

G_M

All you need to know about Enduring Power of Attorney here.

You can get 'Office Copies' when you register the EPOA. If it is not registered (ie the donor still has mental capacity) you need either the original POA or a 'Certified Copy'.

Savvy_Sue

G_M wrote: »

All you need to know about Enduring Power of Attorney here.

You can get 'Office Copies' when you register the EPOA. If it is not registered (ie the donor still has mental capacity) you need either the original POA or a 'Certified Copy'.

I suspect that at least part of the problem is the change from the old EPA to the new LPA: banks never were that good, I fear, and now they are getting confused between the two.