Stepping in as replacement power of attorney

saltandpepper123

My folks have set up power of attorney, each has appointed the other as their attorney and I am a replacement. That’s fine, their decision to do it like that. How easy is it to actually start as acting as replacement should the need arise ( let’s say they are both in an accident and the replacement is needed). I’ve read that you need to inform the OPG & provide all the existing copies of the POA etc, but in reality how quickly can you make decisions if needed, and how do you prove you are permitted to do so? 

ss2020jd

I’ve just had to do this as I am a replacement attorney for my mum after my stepdad died. I had to send all the original and certified copies to the Office of the Public Guardian but they have said it will take them 4-6 weeks to scan everything in and update the LPAs. 

As my mum has been in hospital and I’ve had to arrange a respite home it has been a bit challenging. I asked the OPG if there was any chance if it could be expedited but it’s not likely. I have also requested an activation key for an online summary which apparently is easier than presenting the originals/certified copies to organisations for proof.

In the meantime for urgent financial things like paying bills on behalf of my mum I have applied for temporary access to the bank with a General Power of Attorney (which can only be used if your parents have mental capacity). It doesn’t need to be registered with the OPG and can be signed by the donor and a witness (not the attorney) until the full LPAs are updated. 


 

saltandpepper123

Thanks for your reply, so despite being a replacement, actually acting requires jumping through hoops &/or delay. This is what I’m concerned about, but nothing I can do about it. Good luck with progressing your paperwork etc. 

ss2020jd

Thanks @saltandpepper123 just to update you that both LPAs came back updated today so they did expedite them for me. It ended up taking about two weeks which is much better than expected. I hope it goes smoothly for you too.