Life can be unpredictable. Whether due to illness, injury, or age, you may become unable to manage your own affairs. Having a Power of Attorney in place avoids the delays, costs, and stress that can come if no one is legally appointed to act on your behalf.  

It’s also a simple, flexible solution — ideal if you’re not yet ready to finalise your Will but want to have safeguards in place.  

With a Power of Attorney, you decide:   

• Who you appoint as your attorney(s)  

• Whether they act jointly or independently  

• What powers they have (financial, personal, or both)  

• When their authority begins (immediately or only if you lose capacity)  

• Any instructions or restrictions you’d like to include  

Each plays a distinct and vital role in your life and legacy planning. The right appointments now mean less stress and uncertainty for your loved ones later.  

Yes — and in most situations, it’s better to have a Power of Attorney than to have nothing in place at all.  

A Power of Attorney protects you during your lifetime if you lose capacity. It allows someone you trust to make decisions about your finances, health, and lifestyle — which your Will can’t do, because a Will only takes effect after you die.

You can appoint a trusted person over 18 years old who understands the responsibilities involved. Many people choose a family member, friend, or professional.

Not necessarily. You can specify when it starts—immediately, on a certain date, or only if you lose capacity.

A general Power of Attorney is for a fixed term or specific purpose and ends if you lose capacity. An enduring Power of Attorney continues even if you become incapacitated.