Explanatory Notes

Mental Capacity Act 2005

2005 CHAPTER 9

7 April 2005

Schedules

Schedule 4: Provisions applying to existing enduring powers of attorney

Part 5: Legal position after registration

192.Once an EPA has been registered any revocation of the power must be confirmed by the court. A disclaimer by the attorney is not valid until the attorney has given notice of such to the Public Guardian. Furthermore, the donor cannot alter in any way the scope of the power given in the registered power. This Part also sets out the role of the court with regard to registered powers. The court has a number of functions, not least the power to decide any question about the meaning or effect of an EPA. The court is also under an obligation to direct the Public Guardian to cancel the registration of a power in a number of circumstances (for example, if it is satisfied that the donor is and is likely to remain capable or that undue force or pressure was put on the donor to create the power). The full list of circumstances is given in paragraph 16(4). This Part also lists the circumstances under which the Public Guardian is obliged to cancel the registration of a power, such as on receipt of a disclaimer from the attorney.