When a relative loses the capacity to manage their own affairs (due to dementia or illness), you usually rely on a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to access their bank accounts.

But when you try to sell their shares to pay for care home fees, you hit a wall.

The “Registrar” Block Stockbrokers and Registrars (Equiniti, Link, Computershare) do not automatically know you have an LPA. If you try to sign a “Stock Transfer Form” on your parent’s behalf, it will be rejected.

You Must Register the LPA with Each Registrar Unlike banks, which often have a connected system, share registrars are separate islands.

1. Get Certified Copies: You cannot send the original LPA document in the post (it is too valuable). You must get “Certified Copies” signed by a solicitor or the donor.
2. The Cover Letter: You must write to each registrar separately (e.g., one letter to Equiniti for the BT shares, one to Computershare for the Vodafone shares).
3. The Signature Update: They will ask you (the attorney) to provide a sample signature so they can check it against future sale requests.

The “Digital” LPA Code Recently, the Office of the Public Guardian introduced access codes for LPAs.

• Warning: Not all Registrars’ systems are set up to accept just the digital code yet. Many still demand the physical paper copy. Always check before you post.

Simplifying the Process If your parent has a portfolio of 15 different companies, registering your LPA with 15 different registrars is a logistical nightmare. Divica Pro can generate the correct “LPA Registration Request” letters for every single registrar instantly, saving you hours of form-filling.