Power of Attorney
Ensure the right people can step in to manage your medical and financial affairs if life ever takes an unexpected turn.
Why Setting Up a Power of Attorney Can’t Wait
A Will protects your family after you’re gone, but a Power of Attorney protects you while you’re still here. If an unexpected accident, illness, or medical event leaves you temporarily or permanently unable to make decisions, having the right documents in place ensures your choice of representative steps in—not the government.
Financial Security: Ensures bills, mortgages, investments, and business affairs are managed smoothly.
Medical Autonomy: Guarantees medical treatments reflect your personal values and healthcare preferences.
Family Clarity: Prevents stressful family disputes and costly tribunal applications during emotional times.
The Two Crucial Power of attorney Documents Every Adult Needs
Enduring Power of Attorney
Authorises your chosen representative(s) to make financial and personal management decisions on your behalf (e.g., paying bills, managing property, or deciding where you live).
Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker
Authorises a trusted person to make medical treatment decisions for you if you lack the capacity to make them yourself.
Get Your POA Documents in 3 Simple Steps
Free Discovery Call
We discuss your situation, family dynamics, and who you trust to act for you.
Bespoke Drafting
We draft clear, legally sound documents with built-in safeguards to protect your interests.
Signing & Execution
We meet to review, explain everything in plain English, and legally witness your signatures.
Why Our Clients Recommend Our Personal Approach
I am glad I came across this wonderful firm and was happy to drive from the other side of Melbourne to see them, it was worth it! Wishing them all the best for the future.
It’s not the easiest when making a Will but the empathy, with factual information and support from Nadya, made it really easy and seamless for me. Thank you!
She was really thorough and her communication was excellent. We really appreciate it.
I truly appreciate their professionalism, expertise, and compassion every step of the way, and I always felt supported. Thank you for everything you have done.
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Your life’s work deserves a secure future.
From protecting your assets and loved ones to navigating the complexities of inheritance, our Wills & Estates specialists provide thoughtful advice across all stages of your Estate journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should appoint someone you trust completely to act in your best interests and make decisions in accordance with your wishes. This is often a spouse, adult child, close family member or trusted friend, but it does not have to be a relative.
Yes, you can appoint multiple attorneys and specify how they make decisions—either jointly (acting together on all decisions) or jointly and severally (acting together or independently). You can also name substitute attorneys to step in if your primary choice is ever unable to act.
If you unexpectedly lose capacity without one in place, your loved ones cannot automatically step in. Instead, your family may have to apply to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) to have a guardian or administrator appointed, which can take time, cost money, and cause unnecessary family stress.
A General Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf while you still have decision-making capacity. It is commonly used for temporary situations, such as when you are travelling overseas or need assistance managing your affairs.
An Enduring Power of Attorney continues to operate if you lose decision-making capacity because of illness, injury or age. It allows your appointed attorney to make financial and personal decisions in accordance with your wishes, providing certainty and avoiding the need for a VCAT-appointed administrator. For most people in Victoria, an Enduring Power of Attorney is an essential part of a complete Estate plan.
An Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical treatment decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make those decisions yourself.
You are in full control of this. You can choose to have your Enduring Power of Attorney take effect immediately, on a specific date, or only if you lose decision-making capacity (as confirmed by a medical professional).
Absolutely. As long as you still have decision-making capacity, you can revoke, update, or replace your Power of Attorney documents at any time as your personal or family circumstances change.
Power of Attorney forms in Victoria require strict execution and witnessing procedures to be legally valid. A lawyer ensures your documents are correctly drafted with customised conditions, proper safeguards against misuse, and clear instructions so there are no legal loopholes during a crisis.
No. Being married or in a de facto relationship does not automatically give your partner legal authority to manage your personal bank accounts, sell property, or handle business investments on your behalf if you lose capacity. Without a formal document, they may be locked out of making critical financial decisions.
A Will only takes effect after you pass away to distribute your Estate to your beneficiaries. A Power of Attorney works during your lifetime to protect you, your health, and your finances if an unexpected illness or injury leaves you unable to speak or make decisions for yourself.