Overview
- On his ITV show, Lewis warned that lacking a Power of Attorney can be "frankly a nightmare," leaving relatives unable to access accounts or pay essential bills after a sudden loss of capacity.
- The fee to register a Lasting Power of Attorney is £92 following a government increase in November, with the Ministry of Justice confirming exemptions and reductions for eligible applicants.
- There are two distinct LPAs in England and Wales: one for property and financial affairs and another for health and welfare decisions.
- An LPA must be created while the donor still has mental capacity, and the Office of the Public Guardian advises applying early to avoid processing delays.
- Legal advisers, including the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, say the fee rise should not deter people from applying for this safeguard.