An LPA certificate provider is an independent person who confirms that you understand the LPA and are not being pressured into making it.
They play a vital role in protecting you and ensuring your Power of Attorney is legally valid.
The certificate provider confirms that:
- The Donor understands what an LPA is and what powers they are giving.
- The Donor is making the LPA voluntarily.
- There is no fraud or undue pressure involved.
- There is nothing else that would prevent the LPA from being valid.
This confirmation is a key safeguard required by law.
A certificate provider must be at least 18 years old and have mental capacity.
They must either:
- Have known the Donor personally for at least two years, or
- Have relevant professional skills, such as a GP, solicitor or other qualified professional.
They must be able to act independently and honestly.
A certificate provider cannot be:
- An Attorney or Replacement Attorney named in the LPA.
- A family member of the Donor or of any Attorney.
- A business partner, employee, or director of the Donor or an Attorney.
- Someone involved in running a care home where the Donor lives.
- Anyone who may benefit from the LPA.
These restrictions help ensure impartiality and protect the Donor.
The certificate provider helps prevent abuse, fraud and coercion.
Without a valid certificate provider, the Office of the Public Guardian may refuse to register the LPA, causing delays or rejection.