Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is an authority used to appoint another person to hold power to make decisions on your behalf in financial and other matters, when you are unable to make those decisions yourself due to age-related or medical-related issues. When the appointment takes effect is important, which is what we also advise upon.

It is important to note that the EPA does not authorise someone to make decisions concerning your medical treatment or other aspects of your health and welfare. That is addressed through an Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPG).

The EPA and EPG operate while you are alive, while the Will comes into effect only after your passing.

All powers conferred by you under an EPA and EPG will end with your passing, from which point the Will takes over.

We recommend that an EPA be finalised at the same time as finalising your Will and an EPG. The EPA does not need a lawyer to draft it, but it would be in your best interests to have a lawyer advise on it and its associated implications.

Obvia Legal can guide you through this complex area to give you and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing you have the foresight to plan for the time when old age or medical issues may affect your mind, and when you may not have the capacity to make decisions.

Let us assist you with advising on and finalising your EPA.