Certificate Providers for Lasting Power of Attorney

What is a Certificate Provider?

In order to register a lasting power of attorney, you will need a certificate providers (CP) to sign the documents. This person acts as an independent party, and confirms that you have mental capacity and that you are doing this of your own free will.

What does a Certificate Provider do?

A certificate provider is needed to confirm that the donor is able to understand the importance of a lasting power of attorney and that they are not being influenced into signing it. The CP will confirm this information and sign the LPA after the donor. Additionally, CPs can also act as witnesses during the signing process for donors and attorneys.

Who can be a Certificate Providers?

When choosing a certificate provider, you must select someone over the age of 18 that meets either of the following criteria:

You must have known this person for at least 2 years Friends, work colleagues or neighbours.
They are a professional that can confirm your mental capacity. For example; Solicitors, doctors, social workers

If you are unable to choose someone suitable, Zenco can help by providing a Certificate Provider Service at an additional cost.

Who can’t be a Certificate Providers?

Because it is necessary to choose an impartial CP to sign your LPA, your certificate provider should not be:

One of your chosen attorneys or replacement attorneys.
A previous attorney from a previous power of attorney.
A relative of yourself or one of your attorneys. For example, husbands, wives, in-laws, step-relatives.
An unmarried partner of yourself or your attorney.
A business partner or employee of yourself or your attorney.
The owner or employee of a care home that you live at.