Power of Attorney Solicitor Hertford

If you are looking to prepare a power of attorney it is important to consult a specialist who can discuss all of the relevant options with you; give you accurate advice on the implications of each decision and guide you through the process from start to finish.

We are proud to have two solicitors who specialise in powers of attorney, both of whom are Dementia Friends and members of Solicitors for the Elderly. 

We offer fixed fees on all power of attorney packages so that you know exactly what you have to pay with no hidden extras. Our office is in Hertford and we have parking available, but if it is more convenient for you we also offer free home visits within a 20 mile radius. If needed we are happy to arrange to see you outside of office hours. 

There are different types of power of attorney:

• General power of attorney - usually used as a short term measure, for example if you are going abroad for a long trip and need some matters dealt with whilst you are away.
• Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney (LPA) - this is a document that authorises your chosen attorneys to act for you even if you lose mental capacity. You can allow them to do anything with your money and property that you yourself can do, or you can restrict the way in which they can act for you. 
• Health and welfare lasting power of attorney - this document also allows your attorneys to make decisions for you if you have lost mental capacity. It covers the care and treatment you receive, and you can also decide whether or not you wish them to be able to make decisions in relation to life sustaining treatment on your behalf. 
• Enduring power of attorney (EPAs) - this was the document used until 2007 to give attorneys authority to act even after you had lost mental capacity. Since 2007 it has not been possible to create new EPAs, but valid documents created before that date are still valid. 

For more information or for details of costs please see our website http://www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk/powers-of-attorney-and-court-of-protection.html or call us on 01992 422128 to arrange an appointment. 

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www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

LPA and EPA Registration Fees to be Reduced

Article by Sharon Brown

Every Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used.  Enduring Powers of Attorney must be registered at such time as the donor (the person who made the EPA) has lost or is beginning to lose mental capacity.  The current fee for registering an LPA or EPA with the OPG is £130.00 per document. 

On 16^th Jul 2013 it was announced by Helen Grant (the Under-Secretary of State for Justice) that the fees will be reduced.  From 1^st October 2013 the registration fee will be £110.00 per document, a very welcome saving for people trying to put their affairs in order.  Also, where an application to register has to be resubmitted to the OPG the fee is being reduced from £65.00 to £55.00.    

The Government has previously stated that it would like every adult to have an LPA in place and I feel this is a step in the right direction to making that wish a reality.

If you have any questions regarding EPAs or LPAs please feel free to contact me on 01992 422128 or by email to Sharon@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

When Should an EPA be Registered?

Article by
Sharon Brown

If you are the donor of an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) then you do not need to worry about registering your EPA.  However, your attorney(s) have a duty to register the document with the Office of the Public Guardian at such time as you lose mental capacity or begin to lose mental capacity. 

Capacity is time and decision specific and it can therefore be slightly confusing for an attorney to know exactly when they should start the registration process.  Part of the registration is to notify you and at least three of your relatives, and this acts as a safeguard to prevent an attorney taking unlawful control of your affairs.  If when the registration process is started, you or one of your relatives has a concern, it is possible to object to the Office of the Public Guardian on specified grounds.