Wills & Enduring Power of Attorney

Wills

A Will is a legal document and statement of your wishes to be acted on when you pass away. Having a Will gives you the comfort of knowing that the rewards of your life’s work will be managed and distributed according to your wishes.

You should also review your Will every few years. Even the best Wills need revision because of changes in conditions; beneficiaries and executors move away or become estranged, old assets are sold and new assets acquired, the birth of new beneficiaries and so on. An up-to-date Will ensures your current relationships, assets and intentions are accounted for.

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)

A power of attorney (EPOA) is a formal document giving another person the au- thority to make personal and/or financial decisions on your behalf.The EPOA will only come into effect at a time nominated by you or at a time you lose capacity to make financial and/or personal decisions.

Personal decisions relate to your care and welfare, including your health care, (e.g. deciding where or with whom you live or consenting to medical treatment).

Financial decisions relate to the management of your finances (e.g. paying your bills and taxes, selling or renting your home, using your income to pay for your needs or invest your money).

Many people assume that their spouse, partner or relative will be able to consult with health professionals on any serious medical issues or manage your affairs if you are incapable of doing so yourself, however this is not always the case and may lead to uncertainty, emotional stress or legal issues.

By nominating a person you trust to act on your behalf, an Enduring Power of Attorney will provide the certainty, reassurance and legal authority necessary to manage your affairs and/ or consult with health professionals when you are unable to.

Advanced Health Directive

An advanced health directive (AHD), also known as a Living Will, is a formal way to give instructions about your future health care. It comes into effect only if your cogni- tive health deteriorates and you become un- able to make your own decisions.

An AHD enables you to give specific instruc- tions about certain medical treatments, whether you want to receive life-sustaining measures—such as tube feeding or resusci- tation to prolong your life, removing any doubt and emotional stress your loved ones.