Enduring powers of attorney
Many people expect that their family and friends will step in and support them in future if their circumstances change and they are unable to make decisions due to health or disability. In most situations, informal support is enough to help us manage day-to-day affairs. However, sometimes significant life decisions need to be made by someone with formal authority if you’ve lost the ability to make those decisions yourself.
Depending on your circumstances, the following may assist you to plan ahead and ensure you are in control of certain decisions about your life and who will assist you with decision-making if the need arises.
Information on enduring guardianship (for personal or other lifestyle matters) is available on the Enduring Guardian page.
What is an enduring power of attorney?
A power of attorney allows you to appoint another person to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf. An enduring power of attorney gives your attorney authority to make these decisions if you lose capacity as a result of a disability or illness.
An enduring power of attorney gives you control over who manages your finances and property if you lose capacity for decision-making in future.
How do I appoint an enduring power of attorney?
You can appoint an attorney under an enduring power of attorney instrument. To do this, you must complete and register an enduring power of attorney instrument via the Land Titles Office of Tasmania and pay the applicable fee.
Further information
The Australian Guardianship and Administration Council (AGAC) has published the 'You Decide Who Decides' guide which may help you to decide if appointing an enduring power of attorney is right for you.
Legal Aid Tasmania has also developed an Enduring Power of Attorney fact sheet.
Power of attorney forms are located on the Department of Primary Industry, Parks Water and Environment (DPIPWE) website.