Much of the modern world is now available digitally. This includes many legal documents, such as a lasting power of attorney, or LPA. You can view LPAs through the official government website.
Are all LPA’s viewable online?
It is possible to create LPAs online through Power of Attorney Online and similar services. If you register the LPA in England or Wales, and the registration date is after 2016, the LPA can be viewed online through the government portal. LPAs preceding 2016 can only be viewed in hard copy.
What is the process to view an LPA online?
To view a specific person’s LPA, you will need permission from them, as the donor, or from their designated attorney. This is done when they generate a 13-character access code for you to use. The first letter of the access code will be V. Every LPA, whether a property and finance or health and welfare LPA, will need a separate code, even with the same donor. Codes will remain valid for 30 days after generation.
When you input the access code, you will also need to enter the donor’s name. After checking you are accessing the right donor and LPA, you will also be expected to include your own name/organisation and the current date so there is an official record of your viewing that will be visible to the donor and attorneys. You can also download the LPA in PDF form.
What is included in the online viewing?
The online LPA will be delivered in summary form and take up one page. This includes the name, date of birth, and address of the donor and their designated attorney or attorneys. There will also be explanations of how the attorneys can make decisions, and a list of restrictions and conditions or instructions and preferences from the donor. The summary will also tell you whether the LPA is officially registered and legally valid.
You can view an LPA through an online platform and download a summary of relevant information, but you will need an access code first.
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