The process of setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can be a lengthy one, and it is important to understand how long it will take to set up. Normally, the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) would take around 10-12 weeks to register an LPA, however due to the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the OPG are currently taking around 20 weeks to register Lasting Powers of Attorney.
The process of setting up an LPA begins with the completion of the relevant forms, which can be found on the OPG website. Once the forms have been completed, they must be sent to the OPG along with the relevant fee. The OPG will then assess the forms and, if they are satisfied that the forms have been completed correctly, they will register the LPA.
Once the LPA has been registered, the OPG will send a copy of the registered LPA to the donor, the attorney, and any other relevant people. It is important to note that the LPA does not come into effect until it has been registered by the OPG.
The OPG are currently taking around 20 weeks to register Lasting Powers of Attorney, which is significantly longer than the 10-12 weeks it would normally take. The OPG have stated that the lengthy delay is due to the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is important to bear in mind that the process of setting up an LPA can take a long time, and it is important to plan ahead and start the process as soon as possible. It is also important to note that the LPA will not come into effect until it has been registered by the OPG, so it is important to ensure that the forms are completed correctly and sent to the OPG as soon as possible.
In conclusion, it is important to understand that the process of setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney can take a long time, and it is currently taking around 20 weeks for the OPG to register Lasting Powers of Attorney due to the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to plan ahead and start the process as soon as possible in order to ensure that the LPA is registered by the OPG by 16 November 2022.