Over the last decade, the adoption of online Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) forms in England and Wales has grown significantly. This reflects broader trends in legal services, with more people opting for the convenience of digital solutions. Recent data from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) highlights the remarkable growth in the use of online LPA forms, showcasing how this once slow-to-adopt method is now a popular choice.
A slow start - 2011 to 2015
When online LPA forms first became available in 2011, uptake was extremely low. Between 2011 and 2012, only 3 applications were submitted online in England, with no submissions from Wales, according to the MOJ. The following year, there were no recorded online submissions across either region, indicating that the option remained largely underused.
By 2013-2014, a small but notable increase began, with 10 applications submitted online in England, rising to 20 between 2014 and 2015. Wales still had no submissions during these years. Although the numbers were modest, they marked the beginning of a gradual shift towards the use of digital forms.
Related guide: Lasting Power of Attorney - Should I get a power of attorney or is it a waste of time?
The surge - 2015 to 2016
A significant turning point came between 2015 and 2016, when the number of online LPA form submissions soared. England recorded 15,025 online applications, while Wales saw 577 submissions. In total, the MOJ reported 15,683 online applications across all regions. This sharp rise can be attributed to growing public awareness of the online process, improvements in the platform, and perhaps initiatives to encourage the public to use digital services.
Steady growth
Since 2015 to 2016, the number of online LPA submissions has continued to rise. More individuals are recognising the convenience and efficiency of completing their LPA forms online, rather than dealing with paper-based applications.
Here at Wills Services, we’ve made it easy for anyone to create their LPA online. We offer user-friendly online forms that allow you to complete the process at your own pace, and our experts are on hand to guide you every step of the way. Once your forms are complete, we also handle the filing of your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), ensuring your legal documents are properly submitted.
What’s driving the growth?
The increased use of online LPA forms can be explained by several key factors:
1. Convenience
Completing forms online is faster and more accessible than using traditional paper forms. Our online platform allows users to complete their LPA from home.
2. Support and expertise
While the online process is straightforward, having expert assistance can provide peace of mind. At Wills Services, our specialists are available to help at any point, ensuring that your LPA is completed accurately.
3. Government promotion
The UK government, through the Ministry of Justice, has supported the shift to digitalisation in public services, encouraging the public to use online platforms for legal documentation.
4. COVID-19 impact
The pandemic accelerated the transition to online services as face-to-face interactions became limited. This led to a surge in digital applications for legal matters, including LPAs.
The future of online LPAs
The trend towards digitalisation in the legal sector is set to continue. The convenience and support offered by services like ours at Wills Services make it easier than ever to complete and file important legal documents online. The surge in online LPA submissions shows no signs of slowing down, as more people embrace digital tools to manage their affairs.
Ready to set up your own Lasting Power of Attorney?
Don’t leave it too late - you can only make an LPA while you still have complete mental capacity and you are able to make all decisions (regarding health, finances, etc) yourself. Look after yourself and your loved ones by putting a legally-valid plan in place today.
