Why do I need a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document authorising a trusted individual, multiple people or a trustee company to take over your medical, personal and/or financial decisions.
These decisions can include operating bank accounts, paying bills, managing investments, buying or selling real estate or deciding where you live.
General Power of Attorney
A general non-enduring power of attorney can only be used when you have the capacity to make your own decisions and lasts for a specific amount of time.
This power is used to make financial decisions usually ends when you lose your decision making capacity.
Enduring Power of Attorney
An enduring power of attorney appoints someone to make your financial and personal decisions when you no longer have capacity to make those decisions yourself, or sooner if specified.
For example, you may appoint someone to pay your bills while you are overseas, or you can specify the power for financial decisions commences when you no longer have capacity to make those decisions yourself.
Medical Treatment Decision Maker
This appointment is separate to a power of attorney. If you are no longer capable of making decisions, you can appoint an individual to make decisions on your behalf relating to your medical treatment.
Advanced Care Directive
An advanced care directive details your preferences in relation to health and medical treatment. This includes end-of-life treatment and cessation of treatment.
It is a valuable tool that captures your values and priorities regarding end-of-life medical treatment and ensures everyone is aware of what you want to happen (or not happen) as you approach your end of life.