Powers of Attorney

For those who are unable to attend our office for any reason, we offer a telephone service. Charles Tinney will guide you through all of the relevant issues on the phone and your will/s and/or powers or attorney will be prepared and mailed to you.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document whereby one person grants another person the authority to make legal and financial decisions on their behalf.

A Power of Attorney can be used in several ways – from having another take care of your affairs whilst travelling to times of extended illness.

An Enduring Power of Attorney (Financial) takes this a step further, whereby the person nominated to manage the affairs may continue to manage the affairs once the person giving the power (also called the “Donor”) is found to have diminished mental capacity due to injury or illness. This arrangement can remain in place as long as the donor is still alive.

Powers of Attorney can be prepared to come into effect immediately or to come into effect at a future time (such as the onset of mental incapacity).

In order to sign a Power of Attorney, the donor must be capable of understanding the nature of the document they are signing and its effect. It is therefore important in situations where an Attorney must be appointed that it is done so in a timely manner.

An Enduring Power of Attorney (Medical Treatment) gives your appointed attorney (in this case, called your "agent") the authority to make decisions about medical treatment on your behalf if you lose capacity, including the power to refuse treatment in some cases.

An Enduring Power of Guardianship is a legal document whereby you grant the right to make decisions in regard to your personal and lifestyle arrangements to another person, including where you live and the health care you receive. This comes into effect only when you are deemed to have lost the ability to make decisions for yourself.
 
Contact us to arrange a consultation.