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When the change from EPAs to LPAs was first made I said then that the new system would not prevent abuse - one of the reasons for introducing the changes in the first place! Since 2007 any kind of protection has been eroded so that there is no protection whatsoever. LPAs prepared by experienced solicitors have the advantage that mental capacity will have been assessed and the pros and cons of the proposed attorney/s discussed. However the drive to push the provision of legal services to the bottom of the heap (so that all and sundry "lawyers " can provide) means that unless real safeguards are introduced (as is the case in many other countries) abuse will continue. The certificate of capacity should only be signed by a solicitor specialising in this area of law or a medical practioner