Different types of Power of Attorney - Which is right for you?
Depending on your requirements and where you live, there are different types of Power of Attorney you should consider, including: Lasting Power of Attorney. Enduring Power of Attorney (Ireland). Ordinary Power of Attorney. Continuing Power of Attorney (Scotland). Visit the gov.uk website to find out more about which is right for your circumstances, and how to make or register a Power of Attorney.
How long does it take for Power of Attorney to be added onto an account?
An attorney can be added within 5-10 working days.
What can I do as an attorney?
If able to act "Solely" or "Joint and Severally" an attorney can operate the account as if they were the customer themselves. They can have a debit card, register for online or telephone banking and make payment and transfers. They can close accounts that are no longer needed or even open new accounts. They can also manage the donor's mortgage, including applying for a new mortgage or changing the rates. They cannot apply for any other form of credit on behalf of the donor such as a loan, overdraft or credit card.
If several attorneys are appointed "Jointly" or "Jointly for some decisions and Severally for others" the attorneys are not able to have access to online or telephone banking or have a debit card. To operate the account joint attorneys can sign cheques together, they can visit branches together or jointly sign letters of instruction addressed to the bank.
To withdraw cash from our branch service all attorneys must be present and will be required to present ID.
How can I remove Power of Attorney from an account?
To have a Power of Attorney removed from an account, [you] the donor of the Power of Attorney (our client) can give us that instruction provided they still have the capacity to do so. This will just remove the attorney from the account(s). In order to bring a Power of Attorney to an end more generally, there are formal steps that need to be taken – these depend on what type of Power of Attorney it is. For a Lasting Power of Attorney, for example, a document called a go to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to get a deed of revocation needs to be prepared, this needs to be registered with the Office of Public Guardian. You can find more information on how to end your Power of Attorney at the gov.uk website: Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney
If the attorney is requesting to be removed, we can accept a letter to advise they no longer wish to be on the account.
Can I be added to a joint account as power of attorney?
Yes, you can be added to a joint account as Power of attorney. However, you will need to obtain the other joint account holder's written authority.
If you need more support then please call Coutts 24 on 020 7957 2424 (Relay UK 18001 020 7957 2424) or contact your Private Banker who will be able to help.
If you or a loved one require assistance for access to or when using our digital service, you can contact our Digital Helpdesk team on 020 7770 0000 (Relay UK 18001 020 7770 0000), who are happy to help.
If you need a personal adjustment or need extra support with documents or communication please speak to your Private Banker who can arrange this for you.
