A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial legal document that allows you, the 'donor', to appoint one or more people, known as 'attorneys', to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to do so yourself. This can cover your property and financial affairs and/or your health and welfare. If you have accounts with Nationwide Building Society and wish for your attorney(s) to manage them, you'll need to register the LPA with them.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, to ensure a smooth registration of your LPA with Nationwide.
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The process of registering an LPA can seem daunting, but by breaking it down, it becomes much more manageable. Ready to empower someone you trust to manage your financial affairs with Nationwide should the need arise? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Ensure Your LPA is Valid and Registered with the OPG
Before you even think about Nationwide, the most fundamental step is to ensure your Lasting Power of Attorney document itself is legally sound and fully registered. Nationwide can only accept an LPA that has been officially registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) in England and Wales (or the equivalent body in Scotland/Northern Ireland, if applicable).
Sub-heading 1.1: What is a Valid LPA?
A valid LPA must:
- Be made while you (the donor) still have mental capacity.
- Be correctly completed and signed by you, your attorney(s), and a 'certificate provider'.
- Have all signatures witnessed correctly.
Sub-heading 1.2: OPG Registration is Non-Negotiable
This is paramount. Your LPA is not legally active until it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. This involves:
- Completing the official LPA forms: These are available from the GOV.UK website.
- Paying the OPG registration fee: As of the current information, this is £82 per LPA (so £164 if you're registering both a Property & Financial Affairs LPA and a Health & Welfare LPA). Fee exemptions or reductions may apply based on your income or benefits.
- Sending the forms to the OPG: There's a specific order for signing and dating the LPA forms – the donor first, then the certificate provider, then the attorneys. Any mistakes in this order or illegible handwriting can lead to rejection and delays.
- Waiting for OPG confirmation: The OPG will process your application, and if there are no issues, they will stamp the document as registered. This process can take several weeks or even months. Only once you have the OPG-stamped document can you proceed to register it with Nationwide.
Step 2: Gather All Necessary Documents
Once your LPA is officially registered with the OPG, you'll need to prepare a set of documents for Nationwide. Having everything ready will significantly speed up the registration process.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Core LPA Document
- The Original OPG-Registered LPA: Nationwide will need to see the original Lasting Power of Attorney document, complete with the official OPG stamp.
- Certified Copy (Alternative): If you don't want to send the original, Nationwide also accepts a professionally certified copy of your LPA. This can be certified by a solicitor, a person authorised to carry out notarial activities, a Post Office (for a fee), or bank staff (with a branch stamp). Crucially, every page of the copy must be certified with specific wording and signed/dated by the certifier.
Sub-heading 2.2: Proof of Identity and Address for the Attorney(s)
If the attorney(s) are not already Nationwide members, they will need to provide proof of ID and address. Acceptable documents typically include:
- Proof of ID: Passport, driving licence (photo card).
- Proof of Address: Utility bill (less than 3 months old), bank statement (less than 3 months old), council tax bill (for the current financial year).
Sub-heading 2.3: Nationwide's Registration Form (Highly Recommended)
Nationwide provides a specific "Registration of Power of Attorney form" (often referred to as IF18). While you can register without it, using this form is highly recommended as it streamlines the process and allows you to specify what access the attorney(s) require (e.g., Internet Bank access, debit card, chequebook).
- Where to find it: You can usually download this form from the "Forms and downloads for Lawyers" section on the Nationwide website, or the "Register a power of attorney" section under their help pages. Search for "IF18 Registration of Power of Attorney (POA) PDF".
Sub-heading 2.4: OPG Access Code (If Applicable)
The OPG now offers a digital service where an access code can be generated for your LPA. If you have this code, you can include it on Nationwide's registration form, which may allow Nationwide to verify the document digitally without needing to see the physical original or certified copy. This can be a significant time-saver!
Step 3: Choose Your Registration Method
Nationwide offers two primary ways to register your LPA: in branch or by post. Each has its own advantages.
Sub-heading 3.1: Registering In Branch (Recommended for First-Timers)
Registering in person at a Nationwide branch can be beneficial, especially if you have questions or prefer face-to-face interaction.
- Find Your Nearest Branch: Use the Nationwide branch finder tool on their website.
- What to Bring:
- The original OPG-registered LPA (or a professionally certified copy).
- Proof of ID and address for all attorneys who are not existing Nationwide members.
- The completed Nationwide Registration of Power of Attorney form (IF18).
- Your OPG access code, if you have one.
- The Process:
- A Nationwide staff member will review your documents.
- They will take copies of the necessary documents.
- They may ask you to fill out any missing information on their form.
- They will explain the next steps and estimated timelines.
- Benefits: You get immediate confirmation that your documents have been received, and you can clarify any queries on the spot.
Sub-heading 3.2: Registering by Post
If visiting a branch isn't convenient, you can send your documents by post.
- What to Send:
- The original OPG-registered LPA (or a professionally certified copy).
- Photocopies of proof of ID and address for all attorneys who are not existing Nationwide members.
- The completed Nationwide Registration of Power of Attorney form (IF18).
- Your OPG access code, if you have one.
- Nationwide's Postal Address: This will typically be provided on their "Register a power of attorney" page or on the IF18 form itself. Always double-check the current address on their official website.
- Important Considerations for Postal Submissions:
- Send by recorded or tracked delivery: This is highly recommended to ensure safe arrival of your important legal documents.
- Keep copies of everything you send.
- Be prepared for longer processing times compared to in-branch registration.
Step 4: The Nationwide Processing Period
Once Nationwide receives your documents, they will begin their internal processing.
Sub-heading 4.1: What Happens During Processing?
Nationwide will:
- Verify the authenticity of your LPA document and its OPG registration.
- Check the identity of the appointed attorney(s).
- Review any specific instructions within the LPA regarding how the attorney(s) can act (e.g., "jointly" or "jointly and severally").
- Set up the attorney's access to the donor's accounts based on the LPA and the Nationwide registration form.
Sub-heading 4.2: Expected Timelines and Communication
- Nationwide states that it can take up to 11 working days to register someone as an attorney.
- Any original documents sent by post will be returned once registration is complete.
- You will receive confirmation of registration by post. Any requested items like chequebooks or debit cards will be sent separately and may take an additional 5 working days to arrive.
- Patience is key. If you haven't heard back within the stated timeframe, you can contact Nationwide's customer service for an update.
Step 5: Understanding Attorney Access and Limitations
Once registered, your attorney(s) will be able to manage the donor's Nationwide accounts. However, it's vital to understand the scope of their authority and any potential limitations.
Sub-heading 5.1: What an Attorney Can Typically Do
- Manage money and accounts (checking statements, making payments, opening/closing accounts, switching accounts).
- Speak directly with Nationwide about the accounts.
- Choose account access options (request chequebook, debit card, Internet Bank access).
- Crucially, attorneys must always act in line with the LPA document and in the donor's best interests.
Sub-heading 5.2: Internet Bank Access for Attorneys
For an attorney to get Internet Bank access to the donor's accounts with Nationwide, specific conditions usually apply:
- The LPA document must not limit what can be done on behalf of the account holder online.
- The attorney must be personally named in the document (Nationwide typically doesn't give online access to businesses or organizations as attorneys).
- If there are multiple attorneys, they must be appointed to act severally (meaning they can make decisions on their own) for online access. If they act "jointly," all decisions must be made together, which complicates online management.
- The attorney needs to have their own Nationwide account. If they don't, they may need to open one first.
- The attorney must have a UK address.
Sub-heading 5.3: Making Changes After Registration
- Requesting additional access (e.g., debit card, Internet Bank access): If these weren't requested during initial registration, they can be requested later.
- Changing the LPA itself: If the donor still has mental capacity, an LPA can be changed or cancelled using a deed of revocation. A new LPA would then need to be created and registered with the OPG and subsequently with Nationwide.
- Concerns about an attorney's actions: If you have concerns about an attorney, you should contact the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), as they are responsible for monitoring LPAs and can investigate and potentially remove an attorney.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about registering an LPA with Nationwide, along with quick answers:
How to register an LPA with Nationwide if the donor has lost mental capacity?
You can only make an LPA while the donor has mental capacity. If capacity has already been lost, you would need to apply to the Court of Protection to become a 'deputy', which is a more complex and costly process. Once a deputyship order is granted, it can then be registered with Nationwide.
How to find the correct Nationwide LPA registration form?
Search the Nationwide website for "Registration of Power of Attorney form" or "IF18". It's usually found in the "Forms and downloads for Lawyers" or "Register a power of attorney" sections.
How to certify a copy of my LPA for Nationwide?
You can certify it yourself (if you still have mental capacity) by writing specific wording on every page, or you can have a solicitor, a person authorised to carry out notarial activities, a Post Office, or bank staff (with branch stamp) certify it. Every page must be certified, dated, and signed by the certifier, stating they've seen the original.
How to get Internet Banking access for an attorney with Nationwide?
The attorney must typically have their own Nationwide account, the LPA must not have online access restrictions, and if there are multiple attorneys, they usually need to be able to act "severally" (independently) for online access. You request this access on the Nationwide registration form.
How to know if Nationwide has received my LPA documents?
If submitting by post, use tracked or recorded delivery to confirm receipt. If submitted in branch, you'll have confirmation there. For updates on processing, you can call Nationwide's customer service.
How to contact Nationwide about an LPA query?
You can call their general customer service line or visit a local branch. Their website's "Contact us" section will have the most up-to-date phone numbers.
How to change or revoke an LPA once registered with Nationwide?
If the donor still has mental capacity, they must use a legal document called a 'deed of revocation' to cancel the existing LPA. A new LPA would then need to be created, registered with the OPG, and then re-registered with Nationwide.
How to register an LPA with Nationwide if the attorneys are acting 'jointly'?
If attorneys are appointed to act 'jointly', all attorneys must agree on decisions. Nationwide will acknowledge this when registering the LPA. Note that this can restrict online access, as all joint attorneys would need to be involved in every online transaction.
How to deal with Nationwide if they reject my LPA registration?
If Nationwide rejects your LPA, they should provide a reason. Common reasons include errors in the LPA document itself (e.g., incorrect signing order, missing information), or issues with the OPG registration. You'll need to rectify the issue and resubmit. For OPG-related issues, you might need to contact the OPG directly.
How to ensure my attorney has sufficient access for managing bills with Nationwide?
Ensure your LPA grants broad powers for property and financial affairs. When registering with Nationwide, clearly state on their form that you wish for the attorney to have comprehensive access for managing accounts, including payments, direct debits, and standing orders. Providing a debit card and Internet Bank access can also facilitate bill management.
