Reformed LPAs: Key changes introduced in the Powers of Attorney Act 2023

LPA is a legal document that allows individuals to appoint trusted representatives to manage their affairs if they become incapacitated. The reforms introduced in this Act aim to modernize and streamline the LPA process, primarily by digitizing it to make it faster, more secure, and accessible.

Key changes include:

– Improved safeguards against abuse and fraud through improved identity checks

– Shifting the power to register LPAs solely to the Donor

– Introducing a digital system to reduce errors and processing times; However, those who need to access an LPA via the paper process will still be able to do so.

Additionally, the Act expands the ability for concerned parties to object to an LPA’s registration, simplifying the objection process but potentially placing a burden on donors or attorneys.

Despite of some limitations, the reforms are seen as a step forward in safeguarding vulnerable. The act is yet to be implemented fully, with further government direction expected.

As part of their overall planning, Donors should continue to seek independent legal advice on how their personal and financial affairs will be dealt with if they lose the capacity to do so themselves.

Categorised in: Legal Updates

This post was written by Mila Rnjak