How to sign if you can't sign?

CarolWHerts

A close friend has asked me to help them prepare powers of attorney as I have recently done them for us. The problem is that he is now severely physically disabled and cannot use a pen to sign anything. There is some arrangement in place that allows a family member to sign cheques etc but this is limited to the one bank - hence the need for the PoAs. Is this too complicated a situation for the DIY system? What is acceptable as a 'signature'? My involvement is purely helping with the admin and everything else is pretty straightforward with no special arrangements or family difficulties. 

p00hsticks

I think in your position I'd be seeking advice from the OPG - contact details are at the bottom of this link
Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney: Overview - GOV.UK

AP3

Can he make a mark on the paper himself? A simple "X" might be sufficient if properly witnessed, as the witnesses could confirm that he "signed" it.

MyRealNameToo

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a75c321e5274a4368299c56/LPC-Continuation-sheets.pdf

Continuation sheet 3 is for dealing with people who cannot sign the form themselves. Someone else can sign it for them but the person must be present and give their informed consent and two witnesses must witness the consent and signing. 

The form actually uses the more traditional statement of "sign your name or make your mark" so if the have enough motor control to make a mark they can do that rather than using sheet 3. If they can't then use sheet 3

CarolWHerts

Thanks all. They can't move at all, so we'll take a close look at the sheet 3 provisions. 

CarolWHerts

An update on this: we painstakingly followed all the instructions, had one phone call to the OPG just to check we were doing it right (call was quickly answered and they were quick to understand what we wanted and were reassuring and helpful), then we had a 'signing party' around my friend's bed which turned into quite a jolly occasion once the sombre stuff was dealt with (they don't see many people normally). And now the PoAs are all registered and in place. Thanks all.

twopenny

Just to add, when I worked in a solicitors we had this crop up more than once and with two witnesses and the solicitor overseeing. In these cases the hand was steadied by a family member with the approval of the person signing and confirmed by them on conclusion.

But your way sounds less stressful and more pleasant