Power Of Attorney, Financial And Health

[Ninnynanny]

Has anyone completed these forms themselves? How easy to do it online using the government's website and online forms. Many thanks

[Tilly2]

I looked at the online forms and decided that I had too many questions to ask. I needed some clarification and assurance about certain aspects, so we went to our solicitor and had them drawn up. It's not a cheap option but it's given us peace of mind.

[237SJ]

I`ve completed the POW forms online. I found the website very easy to use and (when I did it which was 3 years ago) there were explanations at every stage and there was also a number you could phone if you needed further clarification.

[237SJ]

*POA*

[Tilly2]

We took the easy route :-)

[bednobs]

you can't do it all online though

[Sycamore3House]

My brother & I did it online for our mother approx 5 years ago. We did both health & financial. Easy procedure as 237SJ says. It is the same website that a solicitor would use except if you DIY you don’t pay a solicitor. Just make sure your loved one has all the answers for you. The hardest part for my brother & I was signing the health form that my mother had requested Do Not Resusitate (DNR) as at that point she was still sprightly. Five years on she is still sprightly but slightly older.

[bednobs]

did none of you have to get a certificate-giver?

[237SJ]

The Office of the Public Guardian is the site. It takes about 10 weeks for the whole thing to become active and my Mum died during that period which was another reason that I didn't waste money on a Solicitor.

[237SJ]

*or rather, that I didn't waste money etc*

[Tilly2]

There is still a cost even if you do it online.

[237SJ]

Yes there is. It's a few pounds I think. My Mum was in receipt of savings credit and higher rate attendence allowance because she had a terminal illness so it cost me 37p which was the price of the stamp

[Sycamore3House]

Bedknobs, yes you do have to get a certificate giver/provider. We used a family friend who was known to my mother/all of is in his professional capacity (as a financial advisor) which did not cost us any money. The only money we paid was to the government for the actual registration.

[Tilly2]

What about the registration fee to the Office of the Public Guardian? Didn't you have to pay that?

[237SJ]

Not as far as I remember. The whole thing cost 37p and I don't wish to give it any more thought as the whole time was so traumatic and sad. It's done and dusted. Sorry.

[Sycamore3House]

Tilly, the Office of the Public Guardian is the government.

[Tilly2]

and...?

[bednobs]

people on pension guarantee credit get it for free tilly. Sycamore, i was just pointing out that it's more than filling in a form online, not about whether it costs to get a certificate provider

[Sycamore3House]

Exactly bedknobs, you do have to do more than fill in a form online. You give all the details as requested online. Then you have to get various signatures to back up your info. Pay the fee & then you are sent your documents when it is approved. Doing it yourself cuts out the solicitor part. It really is a simple process providing that the person that you are acquiring POA for is of sound mind & knows what they want. It is akin to providing information for a passport.

[bhg481]

We did the forms online, ourselves. No problems. You can stop and save at any time and retrieve and continue later. You can't lose by trying as it only costs money when you send them off for authorisation; that means you can give up if things get too difficult without it costing you anything, so nothing to lose trying.

[bhg481]

Perhaps I should have added that my wife and I did ours to GIVE POA to our daughter with joint authorisation for our grandsons should she die before us. Maybe it is simpler if you are GIVING POA rather than applying to be GRANTED POA for someone.