What Is an Enduring Power of Attorney?

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document that allows someone (the attorney) to manage your financial affairs. Unlike LPAs, EPAs only cover financial matters and do not extend to health or welfare decisions.

Key Features of an EPA:

• Focused on Finances: EPAs are limited to property and financial affairs.
• Activation: They remain valid even after the donor loses mental capacity but must be registered at that point.
• No Health Decisions: EPAs cannot cover medical or welfare decisions.

Get Started with Sort My Life – Easily manage your existing EPA or set up a modern LPA.

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Is an Enduring Power of Attorney Still Valid?

Yes, if you created an EPA before October 1, 2007, it is still valid. However, if the donor has since lost mental capacity, the EPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used.

For those without an EPA or LPA, now is the time to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney.

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Differences Between EPA and LPA

Here’s a quick comparison to understand how EPAs and LPAs differ:

| Feature | EPA | LPA | |--------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------| | Availability | Before October 1, 2007 | After October 1, 2007 | | Scope | Financial matters only | Financial + Health/Welfare | | Registration Timing | Upon loss of mental capacity | Before use | | Flexibility | Limited | Highly customizable |

If you’re considering updating to an LPA, Sort My Life can guide you through the process seamlessly.

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Common Scenarios for EPAs

EPAs are typically used for:

• Managing Bank Accounts: Handling payments and transfers on behalf of the donor.
• Property Transactions: Selling or managing property.
• General Financial Affairs: Ensuring bills and taxes are paid.

Need help managing your EPA? Contact us today and let Sort My Life assist you.

Simplify Your Financial Affairs – Transition to an LPA or manage your existing EPA effortlessly.

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FAQs About Enduring Power of Attorney

Do I Need to Replace My EPA with an LPA?

Not necessarily. EPAs remain valid if they were created before 2007. However, if you also need to delegate health or welfare decisions, setting up an LPA is recommended.

How Do I Register an EPA?

If the donor has lost mental capacity, you must register the EPA with the OPG. This involves submitting the original EPA document, proof of loss of capacity, and a registration fee.

Can I Have Both an EPA and an LPA?

Yes, but they must cover different scopes. For example, you can keep your EPA for financial matters and create an LPA for health and welfare decisions.

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How Sort My Life Can Help

At Sort My Life, we specialize in simplifying legal processes, including managing EPAs and transitioning to LPAs:

• Manage Existing EPAs: Keep your documents organized and accessible.
• Transition to LPAs: Ensure your affairs are fully covered.
• Error-Free Documentation: Avoid costly mistakes with our guided process.

Get Started Now – Let Sort My Life handle your Power of Attorney needs.

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Why Consider Updating to an LPA?

While EPAs are valid, LPAs offer several advantages:

• Broader Scope: Cover both financial and health decisions.
• Proactive Registration: Avoid delays by registering in advance.
• Modern Features: Customize permissions and preferences for your attorney(s).

Not sure if an LPA is right for you? Learn more in our Lasting Power of Attorney Explained guide.

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Why Choose Sort My Life?

We take the hassle out of managing legal documents:

• Expert Guidance: Navigate the complexities of EPAs and LPAs with ease.
• Simple and Secure: Organize and store your documents digitally.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Manage your current EPA or transition to an LPA seamlessly.

Sign Up Today – Start simplifying your life with Sort My Life.