What is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document which authorises the person who is your attorney to make legal, financial and property related decisions on your behalf. This document effectively gives another individual the power to act in your name and do all of the things you would normally do for yourself.

Our Team works with you to ensure you are setting up the right Power of Attorney, and helps you choose and appoint the person or persons who would be suitable Attorney(s).

There are three types of Power of Attorney documents in New South Wales:

• A General Power of Attorney authorises the attorney to act on your behalf for a specific time or a specific purpose whilst you still have capacity to make your own decisions. This might be whilst you are working or travelling overseas. The General Power of Attorney is automatically terminated on the date you nominate in the document or if you lose mental capacity.
• An Enduring Power of Attorney authorises the attorney to act on your behalf if you no longer have mental capacity to make decisions for yourself. An Enduring Power of Attorney will only become terminated once you have passed away or by an order of the Court or Tribunal.
• A Corporate Power of Attorney is a legal document made by a company that authorities the attorney to act on the company’s behalf.

What are the legal requirements for making a Power of Attorney?

The legal requirements for a valid Power of Attorney in New South Wales are different depending on the type of Power of Attorney being set up. However, in all scenarios, it is important that you have the mental capacity to understand the nature and effect of the Power of Attorney document at the time you are making it.

What is the difference between a General Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney?

Both the General Power of Attorney and the Enduring Power of Attorney will authorise another person (the Attorney) to act on your behalf and make legal, financial and property related decisions for you. The key difference between the two is that a General Power of Attorney will end if you die or lose the mental capacity to make your own decisions, whereas the Enduring Power of Attorney will continue to remain valid during your lifetime even if you lose the ability to make your own decisions.

You should carefully consider your individual circumstances and needs when choosing whether to set up a General Power of Attorney or Enduring Power of Attorney.

What are the duties of an Attorney?

Someone who is your Attorney under a General Power of Attorney or Enduring Power of Attorney must always act in your best interests when making your legal, financial and property related decisions.

Their specific tasks could vary depending on any conditions or limitations you include in the Power of Attorney document, but broadly speaking, an Attorney would be able to:

• Manage your financial affairs and operate your bank accounts.
• Buy and sell your real estate if required and ensure that you have accommodation that is appropriate for your needs.
• Pay your bills and expenses on time.
• Manage and invest your assets.
• Manage your taxation obligations, such as your tax return.

The person who is your Attorney must not enter into any transaction that is a conflict of interest and must keep accurate records of all financial transactions.

Contact Coutts

Ready to take control of your legal and financial affairs? Contact Coutts to set up a Power of Attorney. Our experienced team will guide you through the process and help you choose the right type of Power of Attorney for your needs. Don’t leave important decisions to chance. Contact us today!