P of A application issues

Greciangirl please bear in mind that if you wait until you "need one" you are likely to have to wait 3 or 4 months before you actually have one that is registered and useable . If you do it now it will be sorted and usable as soon as you need it. (3 or 4 months is a long time should you be stuck in hospital with nobody you trust able to express your wishes)

Is it different in Scotland? We did it through a solicitor and it was done in no time. I'm intrigued by this thread.

The above can happen to any one of us and we would never know.

They’re quick enough to give POA without checking the applicant.

forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6280599/fraudulent-power-of-attorney

In 2014 when my sister became ill I completed both parts of a LPA. She was on benefits Greciangirl and we had nothing to pay. However, she died 6 weeks after I'd sent this off - I didn't get it back until about two months after her death.

People on benefits do not get it free.
If I need one, I will definitely get a solicitor to do it,
A DIY one sounds very stressful and not worth the hassle.

I took the easy way out and got my solicitor to apply for the LPA. It did take longer than I expected because he had to contact both of my sons and collate all the information from them. It's all done and registered now

We did ours through our solicitor. It costs but at least you have someone to chase things up and deal with issues on your behalf. One form was returned simply because my son had gone over a date twice. He had to complete another form and so did I which delayed things but at least the solicitor dealt with it.

I agree it’s fairly easy to do. You can fill in the forms online and print them out. The only problem I had was getting the signatures all signed and in the right order. I had to send one of my daughters her page to be signed and witnessed as we didn’t know when we would see her in person. They do warn you it could take a long time to get registered so I’ve done mine in plenty of time-just in case anything should happen to me suddenly.

Primrose53

Shinamae

I’ve been meaning to do mine for a few months now, but reading all this, I’m not going to bother at least not for the foreseeable 🤷‍♀️

Shinamae. Take no notice, it’s honestly very easy. Use the gov site, print off the forms, take it slowly and every single section has very clear notes beside it. I had never done one before but sailed through it. They are always at the end of a phone if you have a query anyway. Go for it!

Thanks Primrose 💐

Germanshepherdsmum

Best to do it asap because it can’t be used until registered and it’s the time the registration process is taking that people are complaining about here. It was exactly the same when we made ours seven years ago so unlikely to improve any time soon,

Ok,thanks 💐

JudyBloom

We did ours through our Solicitors. I definitely recommend doing this. I think it is worth paying for.

Solicitor quoted me £1500ish for both parts. When you think you are giving them all the info to complete the forms anyway then, for me it was a no brainer. I think each part cost me approx £85 so less than £200 in total. People on certain benefits can get it done free.

I definitely wouldn’t pay a solicitor to do that.

No, that’s no good until you’re dead! You need a poa so someone can manage your finances and make decisions about medical care if you become incapable. Get thee to a lawyer or do it online yourself. Although I was a solicitor we still had ours prepared by one, wills too.

Oh gosh - I haven’t done mine. I thought a Will was the only thing needed 😩

We did ours through our Solicitors. I definitely recommend doing this. I think it is worth paying for.

How long, approximately, does it take for the process to be completed? I submitted our forms about a month ago but have heard nothing yet? Also, do I need to notify my bank and GP that I have POAs in place?

Shinamae

I’ve been meaning to do mine for a few months now, but reading all this, I’m not going to bother at least not for the foreseeable 🤷‍♀️

Shinamae. Take no notice, it’s honestly very easy. Use the gov site, print off the forms, take it slowly and every single section has very clear notes beside it. I had never done one before but sailed through it. They are always at the end of a phone if you have a query anyway. Go for it!

Best to do it asap because it can’t be used until registered and it’s the time the registration process is taking that people are complaining about here. It was exactly the same when we made ours seven years ago so unlikely to improve any time soon,

I’ve been meaning to do mine for a few months now, but reading all this, I’m not going to bother at least not for the foreseeable 🤷‍♀️

jocork

I'm about to embark on the process but have one question - Do the people who are to have the POA need to sign and do the signatures need witnessing? My DS and DD both live at a distance, one abroad, so I need to work out the logistics.

Yes they do and different parts of the application have to be signed. in a particular order or it will be rejected. If you go online there are very comprehensive instructions, or I think there is a separate guide you can print off which might be easier to follow

I'm about to embark on the process but have one question - Do the people who are to have the POA need to sign and do the signatures need witnessing? My DS and DD both live at a distance, one abroad, so I need to work out the logistics.

Agreed eddiecat. And I doubt you’d find a solicitor willing to take on a health poa.

I set one up last year - - took months - then returned as the signatures were signed in the wrong order datewise! I went all through it again with another application which then took another 4 months - - its not for the faint hearted !!

I had a bad experience with them as well. I did a finance and health one at the same time. After months probably around 5 I got the finance one back but this was after at least 4 emails. The health one just kept saying bring processed. Eventually after several more months and numerous emails and phone calls they finally admitted they had (not lost) misplaced it! After me ranting about what would have happened if I got ill and nothing in place they sent their computer copy with lots of certification holes and stamps and a covering letter. No apology .

The government website very clearly states that you cannot charge for time but can charge for expenses and should keep records for this. Your husband's mistake should not deter other people. I'd far rather my family made decisions for me than a solicitor who doesn't know me