What is an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)?
An EPA is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your property and finances if you lose the ability to manage them yourself.
Who can make an EPA in Northern Ireland?
Anyone over the age of 18 who has full mental capacity at the time of making the document can create an EPA.
What happens if I don’t have an EPA?
If you lose capacity without an EPA in place, your family may need to apply to the court to become a controller of your affairs—a process that is often lengthy, costly, and stressful.
Drafting An Enduring Power of Attorney
What decisions can an attorney make?
In Northern Ireland, an EPA covers financial and property matters only—such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, or selling property. It does not cover health or welfare decisions.
When doe an EPA take effect?
An EPA can be used with your permission while you still have capacity, but it must be registered with the Office of Care and Protection if you begin to lose capacity.
How do I start the process of making an EPA?
You can contact a solicitor or a specialist service like enduringpowerofattorney.com to draft the document, provide guidance, and help ensure it is completed and registered correctly.
Who should I appoint as my attorney?
It should be someone you trust completely—such as a spouse, partner, relative, or close friend—who is reliable, financially responsible, and willing to take on the role.
Can i appoint more than one attorney?
Yes. You can appoint multiple attorneys and decide whether they must act jointly (together) or jointly and severally (together or individually).
Why does an Enduring Power of Attorney need to be registered?
An EPA must be registered with the Office of Care and Protection if the donor (the person who made it) is starting to lose mental capacity. Registration gives the attorney the legal authority to act on the donor’s behalf.
Who is responsible for registering an EPA?
The attorney(s) named in the document are responsible for applying to register it when they believe the donor is, or is becoming, mentally incapable of managing their own affairs.
How long does registration take?
The process can take several weeks, depending on whether there are objections or additional checks required by the court.
Registering An Enduring Power of Attorney
When should an Enduring Power of Attorney be registered?
It should be registered as soon as the donor begins to lose capacity, not after they have lost it completely. Acting early helps avoid delays.
Where is an Enduring Power of Attorney registered?
EPAs are registered with the Office of Care and Protection at the High Court in Belfast.
What if someone objects to the registration?
If an objection is raised, the court will review the matter and decide whether the EPA should be registered.
What documents are needed to register an EPA?
You will need the original EPA document, the application form, and notice forms that are served on the donor and certain relatives to notify them of the registration.
Do family members have to be told about the registration?
Yes. The attorney must notify the donor and specific relatives before registration, giving them the opportunity to raise any concerns.
Why Choose enduringpowerofattorney.com?
Why should I use enduringpowerofattorney.com for handling the EPA process?
We make the process straightforward, removing the stress and ensuring your Enduring Power of Attorney is legally valid and tailored to your circumstances.
How experienced are enduringpowerofattorney.com?
Our team specialises in EPAs in Northern Ireland, giving us in-depth knowledge of both drafting and registration requirements.
Can you guide me through the entire process from start to finish?
Yes. We provide support with drafting, completing forms, serving notices, and registering the EPA with the Office of Care and Protection.
What if I have questions after drafting or registering an EPA?
We don’t just stop at registration—we also provide ongoing advice and support for attorneys in carrying out their responsibilities.
Is my information kept confidential and secure?
Absolutely. We handle all client matters with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.
What peace of mind does your service provide?
You can rest assured knowing your affairs will be managed exactly as you intend, without unnecessary delays, complications, or stress for your family.