DIY Lasting Power Of Attorney

alanq

What does the Lawpack LPA kit contain? The only description that I can find says that it is a set of forms and instructions on how to complete them. Is this any more than I have already obtained free from the OPG?

Please can anyone recommend any other reading material before I complete the forms?

dzug1

Well it might be slightly more detailed (or less, who knows) than the OPG's own kit but it won't be much different. It might even be the OPG's stuff nicely packaged for you.

You shouldn't need more than the OPG's kit.

jr_morris

Everything you need is available on the OPG website. I did my own LPA from downloading and completing all the forms myself. Was there anything you were looking for in particular?

alanq

I was just looking for some examples of correctly completed forms in addition to those given by OPG.

jr_morris

Ah right. I'm not aware of any examples out there but the forms are really easy to fill in, you basically just need names and address of people you want to act as your attorney and names and addresses of people to be informed. You will, however need someone to certify the form for you though, this is a precautionary to ensure you know what powers you're giving to people.

alanq

alanq wrote: »

What does the Lawpack LPA kit contain?

Despite my doubts I just bought the downloadable version of Lawpack's Power Of Attorney pack.

It contains an executable piece of code that is valid for 14 days. By running it you can then download the following:

* A 60-page manual covering powers of attorney in England and Wales (General, Lasting Property & Financial, Lasting Health & Welfare, Living Wills) and their Scottish equivalents.
* Forms for Lasting Power of Attorney, to register pre-existing Enduring Power Of Attorney and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code Of Practice (all of which can be downloaded free of charge from the Public Guardian's Office website ).
* Lawpack form for a living will (Advance Medical Decision)
* Lawpack form and draft letter applying for General Power Of Attorney
* Lawpack draft letter to a bank to apply LPA to accounts.

In my opinion the pack didn't contain much information that was not already provided in the PGO's pack. There were almost none of examples that I had hoped to find. I don't consider the purchase to have been good value.

missile

My solicitor did it for free. :T

Katykat

A SOLICITOR DID IT FOR FREE?????????? Come on, he must be getting something from it. In all my years on this earth I have never seen the words "solicitor" and "free" in the same sentence. I think I need a drink!!!!!

Biggles

Katykat wrote: »

A SOLICITOR DID IT FOR FREE?????????? Come on, he must be getting something from it.

Unusual, to be sure. Maybe he is the Attorney and able to charge openended fees for his services? Or maybe he also did, eg, a will and had himself named as Executor?

pineapplesherbet

missile wrote: »

My solicitor did it for free. :T

Ours just quoted £510! We already have an enduring power of attorney but are concerned it won't cover any health decisions we need to make for our loved one so want to change to the lasting one. Does anyone have any tips for doing it at home? Relative can't speak after a stroke but is sound of mind. Thanks in advance

dzug1

I'd say don't bother - in reality you are not going to make those decisions; health professionals are.