Powers of Attorney

Powers of Attorney

Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document whereby one person grants another person the authority to make legal and financial decisions on their behalf. A Power of Attorney can be used in several ways – from having another take care of your affairs whilst travelling to times of extended illness.

An Enduring Power of Attorney takes this a step further, whereby the person nominated to manage the affairs (also called the “Donee”) may continue to manage the affairs once the person giving the power (also called the “Donor”) is found to have diminished mental capacity due to injury or illness. This arrangement can remain in place as long as the donor is still alive.

Powers of Attorney can be prepared in two ways – to come into effect immediately and to continue once the donor suffers a loss of capacity; or to come into effect at a future time (such as the onset of mental incapacity).

In order to sign a Power of Attorney, the donor must be capable of understanding the nature of the document they are signing and its effect. It is therefore important in situations where a Power of Attorney must be appointed that it is done so in a timely manner.

Advanced Health Directive
An Advanced Health Directive provides you with the protection that your health and treatment wishes will be carried out in times of illness where you have lost capacity to make those decisions yourself.

In conjunction with your doctor this document is drafted and signed off on by a solicitor to ensure that the document is explained to you correctly.  If you believe you require an Advanced Health Directive, or wish to discuss the document further, please contact our office to arrange an appointment.

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