Frequently asked questions
- Which of the lasting power of attorney documents should I complete?
Because each document deals with different matters, we recommend that you create both types of Lasting Power of Attorney. If you only make one, the power you give to the people who will help you will be limited
- What is a Statement of Wishes?
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A Statement of Wishes is a document in which you can tell the people who you nominate to help you what you would like to happen if possible. You can also do this within the “Preferences” section of each Lasting Power of Attorney form. Your helpers should bear in mind your wishes when making decisions, but are not legally bound to follow them if they think that there is a better alternative for you.
We prefer writing a separate Statement of Wishes rather than writing them in the Lasting Power of Attorney form because you can update the document whenever you want. Once registered, you cannot change a Lasting Power of Attorney. Our Statement of Wishes document provides a basis for you to create a more complete version for you. It is in Microsoft Word format, so you can edit it further.
- To make a Lasting Power of Attorney, do I just complete your questionnaires?
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A Lasting Power of Attorney document must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, a department of the Ministry of Justice in order to be legally binding. Our questionnaires help you complete the official forms. Once you have used our service, you need to print the forms, sign them and then send them to the Office of the Public Guardian for registration. For most people, there is a registration fee to pay.
We give you the information you need in our guide to registration.
- What information do I need before I start?
You need the contact information of every person you want to nominate to help you: postal address, telephone number and e-mail address (if the person has one).
You also need to have decided how you would like your helpers to work together – whether it is important that they make every decision together or whether they can act alone.
- I don’t have a printer. If I complete the forms online, can you post them to me?
- Because each document deals with different matters, we recommend that you create both types of Lasting Power of Attorney. If you only make one, the power you give to the people who will help you will be limited
- Which of the lasting power of attorney documents should I complete?
We don’t offer a printing service. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau should be able to print the documents for you, although they may charge a nominal fee for this.
- Can I come back to a questionnaire if I start it but don’t finish it?
Yes you can. Your answers are saved automatically every time you move to a new section of the questionnaire. If you want to leave the questionnaire and come back later, you can click on the "Save & Exit" link at the top of any page.
When you return to your account area, click on the “Continue Editing” button to continue where you left off.
- What help can you give me?
We provide help within the questionnaire, accessed by clicking the “Help” button at the right hand side of the questions.
During office hours, our help team will also be on hand to answer by text chat any other questions. If you need more personalised advice, our range of services allows you to talk to an experienced will writer about how you complete the form.