When applying to be appointed as someone’s financial Deputy or awaiting a registered Lasting Power of Attorney to be returned from the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) it may feel like the hard work is over once the document arrives in the post. In reality however, registering the document with financial institutions and utility companies can be where the most frustrating and administratively burdensome work begins.
It is therefore encouraging to see that the OPG, in partnership with the UK Regulators Network (UKRN), has released guidance aimed at helping staff of financial service companies and utility companies learn about the various ways people can manage the financial affairs of somebody else.
The guidance (which can be found here) aims to help companies provide a straight forward and consistent approach to registering a document with them thus making the process of dealing with the affairs of someone else more straight forward and (hopefully) less time consuming.
Information about Lasting Powers of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Orders made by the Court of Protection are provided. The guide shows what these documents look like, how someone can identify whether the document is valid or not and what to do if someone has a concern about an attorney or deputy. There are also a number of useful case studies that cover most day to day situations.
Fingers crossed this guidance will be taken on board and a more uniform and informed approach from the companies it is aimed at will reduce needless frustration for those dealing with another person’s affairs. It may also be a useful tactic to refer to the guide should you encounter any problems with registering a document.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
