Power of attorney for Parents

[TheMerryWidow1]

Hi, we are about to sign LPA for our parents. With myself and sister as attorneys, can my sister’s sons girlfriend act as witness to all our signatures, including Donor signatures? They are not married but might be in the future. Thanks

Is it not usually a professional person who does this?

I think it has to be someone you have known for over 2 years. When I did my mum's a long standing friend witnessed our signatures

They are just stating they saw the signatures being written, the person signing is who they say they are, and it happened on the date they wrote. Unless the guidance says differently I think she can be your witness. It certainly doesn’t have to be anyone professional - mine was witnessed today by a friend.

Thanks, that’s my understanding too from a lot of googling.

Ours were witnessed by an old friend who popped in to help out. Not a professional person, as such. The witness simply confirms it was you who signed it, and on the date stated. She will be fine as a witness.

No it’s just witnessing the signature, similar to getting mortgage documents witnessed.

I think it’ll be fine OP, an old friend did mine but it’s purely to say you are the person who has signed as I remember, I don’t think there was anything about who that person needed to be in relation to those signing.

I often wonder if these witnesses are ever followed up.

DH signed ours when my parents set theirs up.

The certificate provider needs to be known to the donor for 2 years. They or someone else not connected with the LPA can witness the donor's signature. The witnessing of attorney signatures can be done by each other - your sister can witness your signature, and you can witness hers.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond, all signed and witnessed and on way back to solicitor xxx