Empower yourself with Powers of Attorney

Powers of Attorney are legal documents that allow the person (or people) you nominate to make important decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to make them yourself. Powers of Attorney may cover financial, personal and medical matters.

A General Power of Attorney authorises the person (or people) you nominate to act on your behalf for a specific purpose and for a limited time.

An Enduring Power of Attorney authorises the person (or people) you nominate to act on your behalf even when you no longer have decision-making capacity, and has no time limit.

At Willed, we only offer the ability to create an Enduring Power of Attorney.

In Australia, anyone over the age of 18 years can make a POA. Importantly you must be of sound mind to create these documents, so it's best to make them sooner rather than later.

Your POA will take effect either at the time you choose or when a medical professional certifies your incapacity, whichever is earlier.

Yes, witnesses are required when signing Power of Attorney documents. Their presence ensures the authenticity and legality of the document. Upon printing your POA, you'll see we have included clear instructions about how the documents must be witnessed in your state or territory.

In most states and territories of Australia, a Justice of the Peace can witness the signing of your POA. However, a JP is not a prescribed witness in NSW. In NSW, these documents a solicitor or a registrar of a local court may be required. Please take this into account when considering the finalisation of your POA.

Powers of Attorney and a Will have different purposes and operate at different times.

A POA relates to decisions to be made on your behalf during your lifetime. A Will concerns the manner in which your estate is to be distributed following your death.

If you don't appoint an attorney and you become incapaccitaed, decisions may be made on your behalf by someone you haven't (and possibly wouldn't have) chosen. Therefore, making a POA will help ensure that decisions are made on your behalf by those you trust.

Like your legal Will, a legal POA clarifies your wishes. Your family won't have to guess what you want, leading to less stress and arguments!

A traditional law firm will typically charge hundreds of dollars (or more!) to draft POA documents.

At Willed, you can make your POA (including Advanced Medical Care Directive or Medical Treatment Decisionmaker) for $99, or just $89 if you purchase it with your Will.

To write your POA with Willed, all you need is:

• around 10 minutes
• details of who you'd trust to make medical, financial, and personal decisions on
  your behalf, and
• an idea of the powers you're granting them.
  

Although the specifics vary from across states and territories, your attorney(s) will have the ability to make decisions on your behalf in relation to financial, personal and/or medical matters. Although they are legally bound to act in your best interests, it's still important to appoint people you trust.

When making your POA, you'll be able to define and limit the powers being granted.