Understand how to manage your Lasting Power of Attorney Online through updated digital access codes.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Managing a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in England and Wales has become significantly more efficient thanks to digital services. An LPA allows a trusted person, known as an Attorney, to make decisions on behalf of another person, called the Donor, when they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves.
Instead of relying solely on physical paperwork, Attorneys and Donors can now use secure online access codes to share information with banks, utility companies, and healthcare providers.
What is an LPA Access Code?
An access code is a secure, 13-character code (beginning with the letter ‘V’) that allows organisations to view a digital summary of a registered LPA.
Instead of posting the original, multi-page paper document, which risks being lost or damaged, you can simply provide this code.
This code allows companies to instantly verify the legal status of the LPA and the identity of the Attorneys.
Key Benefits include
- Instant verification for organisations.
- Codes are temporary and more secure than sending originals by post.
- Multiple Attorneys can manage the LPA simultaneously from different locations.
- Organisations see the most current, registered version of the document.
How to Set Up Your “Use an LPA” Account
To generate access codes, you must first link your LPA to a digital account.
- Visit the Service: Go to www.gov.uk/use-lpa.
- Sign In: Use your GOV.UK One Login. If you do not have one, the site will guide you through the identity verification process to create it.
- Add Your LPA: You will need your activation key. This is found in the letter sent to you when the LPA was first registered.
Please note: Activation keys are valid for 12 months from the date of registration. If your LPA was registered more than a year ago or you have lost the letter, you can still create an account and request a new activation key through the portal.
If an LPA was registered before 1 January 2016, it will not have a 12-digit reference number and cannot be used with this digital service. In these cases, you must continue to use the paper original.
How to Create and Share Codes
Once your LPA is linked to your account, you can generate codes as needed. Each code is temporary and currently valid for 50 days.
You can share the code over the phone, by email, or in person. The organisation will then use the code at www.gov.uk/view-an-lpa to see the summary.
What Information Will the Organisation See?
The digital summary provides the essential legal facts required to act, including:
- The Donor’s identity.
- The names of the appointed Attorneys.
- Confirmation that the LPA is registered and valid.
- How decisions are made
- Any specific instructions or restrictions are legally bound to the LPA.
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Managing changes to a Lasting Power of Attorney can be complex, and mistakes can have serious legal consequences.
If you require guidance on updating an LPA, creating a new LPA, or dealing with any issues involving the Office of the Public Guardian, Oakwood Solicitors can provide clear, practical advice with regard to your circumstances.
Contact Oakwood Solicitors for professional assistance and peace of mind when dealing with your power of attorney matters.
Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Further information:
GOV.UK | Using the donor’s LPA: access codes and view an LPA.
Protect Your Loved Ones for Less: 50% Off LPA Event.
Ruby Fullman graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a law degree, and will start her LPC in September, with aspirations to qualify as a Solicitor.
Ruby’s previous role was in a Personal Inju…
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