Though empathising with Stuart Killen, I cannot comment on his problems with slow service at his local county court. However, I can comment on another government department, which is potentially crucial to part of the profession – the Court of Protection.

When lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) replaced enduring powers of attorney (EPAs) in October 2007, one change introduced was that, before an LPA can be used, it must be registered at the Court of Protection.

We sent some for registration last November and, seven months later, they have not been returned. Therefore, just at the time when an LPA is required, it is unavailable for use. Telephone calls to enquire about progress are a waste of time.

As a result, we have had to revert to the original general power of attorney (GPA), which was the form used before EPAs were introduced in the 1980s. Of course, the drawback of GPAs is that they become ineffective when the donor becomes mentally incapable. Although, in most cases, such institutions or ‘providers’ to which the GPA is produced will not know when that position arises, there are obvious potential difficulties if the attorney follows the letter of the law.

Apart from this delay, LPAs themselves are an absolute nonsense compared with EPAs, and fearfully expensive. I challenge any solicitor who regularly undertakes this sort of work to say otherwise.