The landscape of estate planning in the UK is shifting. The Powers of Attorney Act 2023 is introducing the biggest changes to the LPA process in years, moving us toward a “digital-first” system.
While the goal is to make registration faster and more secure, we know that for many, “digital-first” can feel like “digital-hurdle.” At AFPS, I am here with my team to ensure that technology never becomes a barrier to your peace of mind. Here is what you need to know about the upcoming changes and how our personal wrap-around service supports you through them:
1. The End of “Attorney-Led” Registration
Previously, attorneys could handle the registration. Now, only the donor can apply. This means the process must be completed while you still have full capacity.
How we help: We don’t just hand you a form. We manage the timeline, ensuring everything is submitted and registered immediately so your protection is “active” and secure.
2. Mandatory Identity Verification Signatures are no longer enough.
The OPG will now require digital ID verification (likely via GOV.UK OneLogin) for both the donor and the certificate provider.
How we help: If you aren’t comfortable scanning IDs on a smartphone or navigating government portals, we act as your “hybrid bridge.” We guide you through the tech or help you access the paper-based safety net.
3. Faster, But More Technical Applications are being split into separate digital “streams” for donors, certificate providers, and attorneys.
While this reduces errors, it increases the number of “moving parts” to manage.
How we help: We coordinate the whole team. We ensure your certificate provider and attorneys complete their digital declarations promptly so your application doesn’t stall in a digital queue.
4. Enhanced Safeguarding The Act makes it easier for third parties to object to an LPA to prevent abuse.
How we help: Our professional notes and capacity assessments act as your primary defence. Because we provide a face-to-face, personal service, we can testify to the validity and intent behind your documents, providing a level of security a DIY digital portal simply cannot match. The AFPS Promise: The law is modernising, but our traditional values remain the same. Whether the system is paper-based or pixel-based, we are here to provide the human touch, the expert advice, and the guiding hand you need. Don’t let digital changes delay your legacy planning. Let us handle the hurdles while you focus on what matters.
Contact me today to discuss your Will or LPA requirements.
