Ordinary Powers of Attorney

An ordinary power of attorney is a quick and easy way of giving someone authority in relation to your affairs. It is not capable of continuing if the person who has granted it has become incapable.

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is more often the power of choice because it is capable of continuing if the person loses capacity. However, it must be registered at the Court and can take up to four months to be completed. During this period the LPA has no effect, which can cause difficulties for families who are unable to manage any finances. This is particularly difficult if there are bills which need to be paid or assets that have to be dealt with (perhaps a house to sell).

An ordinary power of attorney is useful therefore to deal with the individual’s affairs in the interim, provided they have not lost capacity. It can help to overcome the delay in the period pending registration of an LPA in circumstances that the donor still requires assistance with the management of their affairs.

It is also useful where the individual is needs someone to manage their affairs for a period of time, for example if they were going abroad for a long time.