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Stop Acting as Enduring Power of Attorney

There are certain situations whereby you must stop acting as an attorney (EPA) for the donor. Check what to do if the donor dies and the legal process to stop being an attorney.

Common reasons to stop acting as the donor’s attorney would be if:

  • The donor dies. In this case, the enduring power of attorney (EPA) ends by automatic process.
  • You choose to stop being an attorney (often called ‘disclaiming’ or ‘revoking’ an attorneyship).
  • You are applying to become bankrupt or you declare yourself as bankrupt.

No matter what the reason is for stopping an enduring power of attorney, you would need to fill in the most appropriate forms. You will also need to provide the relevant documents.

Note: It is not uncommon to have to make decisions ‘jointly’ with other attorneys. In these cases, the enduring power ends ‘automatically’ if any of them stop. But, there are other ways to help a donor make decisions


If the Donor Die

The attorneyship would end as soon as the donor dies. If you had already registered the EPA you would need to contact the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and send them:

  • A copy of the donor’s death certificate.
  • The original enduring power of attorney (EPA).

Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH
Telephone: 03004560300
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
More details on call charges.

If You Choose to Stop Being an Attorney

You can decide to give up the role of an attorney at any time. The OPG have produced a guide on how to stop being an attorney under an enduring power of attorney (EPA).

Use the notification form to disclaim an enduring power of attorney and send it to:

  • The donor (if you did not register the EPA).
  • The donor and the OPG (if you already registered the EPA).

Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH

Note: There may be more than one attorney appointed by the donor. If so, you will need to tell any of the other attorneys listed on the enduring power of attorney (EPA).


ALSO IN THIS SECTION

Enduring Power of Attorney Regulations | A guide with information for anyone acting as EPA attorneys.

Enduring Power of Attorney Duties | Check your responsibilities for helping the donor make decisions.


How to Stop Acting as Enduring Power of Attorney in the United Kingdom