What is an Enduring Power of Attorney?

None of us can predict what the future may bring. An illness or unexpected event could mean there comes a time when we’re unable to manage our own financial or legal affairs.

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust (your attorney) to manage your financial and legal affairs on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.

This may include things like paying bills, managing bank accounts, dealing with Centrelink, dealing with property matters and making decisions about financial transactions on your behalf.

While an EPOA is often associated with later life, it is a valuable document for adults of all ages and we strongly believe that everyone should have one. Unexpected events can happen at any stage, and having an EPOA in place means someone you trust can help manage your affairs if you are ever unable to do so yourself. It’s a simple step that can provide reassurance not just to you but to your loved ones.

An attorney must act according to the law, follow your instructions where possible and always act in your best interests.

Unlike a General Power of Attorney, an Enduring Power of Attorney can continue to operate even if you lose legal capacity.

Making an EPOA means the person you trust can step in when needed, rather than leaving important decisions to be made through a more complicated process.

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