Can I certify a copy of a Power of Attorney, Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) or Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

The Power of Attorney Act 1971 currently only enables solicitors and notary publics to certify copies of power of attorneys. However, during the pandemic, the Land Registry took the decision to accept copies of lasting powers of attorney certified by CILEX Lawyers. CILEX have continued to call for change to make this permanent across the board.

CILEX understands that the anomaly preventing CILEX Lawyers from certifying copies causes unnecessary delays and confusion, and often to the detriment of the clients, and has long maintained that there is no reason for this distinction.

After much engagement between CILEX and parliamentarians, government and the Ministry of Justice CILEX is pleased to see the Stephen Metcalfe MP Private Members Power of Attorney Bill its second reading on 9 December 2022 in Parliament. The Bill had support from the Government and will move to the next stage.

We will continue to report on developments.

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