A Power of Attorney is a legal document that you can use to appoint someone to manage your financial and legal affairs while you are still alive. 

By granting a Power of Attorney you allow that person or organisation to sign legally binding documents on your behalf, and give them authority to look after financial decisions such as paying bills, selling or renting property or managing investments.

There are different types of Power of Attorney, and our experienced Wills and Estate team will help you make the right decisions for your particular situation. They will make sure all your concerns around the management of your financial affairs are met and can guide you in making the right appointment, providing practical and independent advice so that you have complete confidence in knowing your wishes are being met.

General Power of Attorney

A general Power of Attorney is granted when you may need someone to look after your financial affairs for a specific period of time, for example, while you are away overseas or if you need to go to hospital.  A General Power of Attorney is only in effect while you can make decisions for yourself.

Enduring Power of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney is right for you if you want someone to continue looking after your financial affairs even after you or lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. This may be important to you if you are elderly or unwell.  An Enduring Power of Attorney only has responsibility for financial decisions, not decisions about lifestyle or medical treatment.  Decisions about lifestyle and medical treatment are made by an Enduring Guardian.

For further information and advice about which type of Power of Attorney is appropriate for your needs please get in touch with our experienced Wills and Estate lawyers.