Easing the burden of decision making
Having the right legal documents in place can provide greater peace of mind for the future. It also allows you to nominate trusted people to handle important matters on your behalf should the need arise.
An Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive can both form part of these arrangements. While they may work alongside each other, they are separate legal documents that apply to different types of decisions.
Powers of Attorney
An Enduring Power of Attorney allows you to appoint a trusted person to manage financial affairs and assets on your behalf. This authority may be used if illness, an accident, or absence prevents you from handling these matters independently.
Should you become unable to make such decisions, the document ensures someone you trust has the legal authority to act on your behalf.
The decisions and duties of an attorney may include:
- Paying bills
- Signing contracts
- Managing bank accounts
- Buying, selling, or leasing property
- Managing other financial and legal matters
Preparing the document in advance allows you to choose who will undertake this responsibility before anything may happen.
Advance Care Directives
An Advance Care Directive is a legal document that allows you to record your wishes and directions for future health care, living arrangements, and personal matters.
It also allows you to appoint one or more substitute decision-makers to make these decisions on your behalf if illness or an accident leaves you unable to make them yourself.
The decisions your appointed substitute decision-maker may make include:
- Where you live
- What health care you receive
- What personal services you receive
- Consent to medical and dental treatment
An Advance Care Directive allows you to legally document the types of medical treatment you do or do not want if you become unable to communicate these wishes. It can also record your preferences concerning future care and treatment in particular circumstances.
If you need to put an Enduring Power of Attorney, an Advance Care Directive, or both documents in place for yourself or a loved one, call Pascale Legal today on (08) 8250 0404 to arrange an appointment.