Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a document that appoints others to make decisions for you with respect to your financial and legal affairs.
The person(s) nominated in your Power of Attorney must act in your best interest and put themselves in your place when making a decision.
A Power of Attorney can come into effect immediately or when the person giving the power (the donor) is no longer able to make decisions for themselves.
For these reasons, you should nominate people you trust. It is always a good idea to nominate more than one person, just in case the first person you nominate cannot act in that role.
Advance Care Directive
An Advance Care Directive is a document that appoints others to make decisions for you with respect to your medical care (including refusal of medical treatment) and/or lifestyle choices, such as where you will live if you cannot care for yourself any longer.
Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives can only be prepared if you have capacity, that is, you are of sound mind.
If you do not have a Power of Attorney or Advance Care Directive in place, your loved ones may need to obtain orders from the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT).
Don’t leave it until it is too late.
Call Zielinski Legal to arrange a consultation.
