From what Power of Attorney means, to appointing someone, to the difference between Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Attorney.
What is a Power of Attorney?
The role of a Power of Attorney is to help you manage your finances, property and other legal or lifestyle matters if you can’t manage them yourself.
The role is formalised in a legal document called a Power of Attorney. While there are templates out there guiding you on what goes into a Power of Attorney, you can include precise instructions on what your Power of Attorney can and can’t do for you.
The benefit of having a Power of Attorney
By appointing a Power of Attorney, depending on what powers you give, you would have representation if you fall ill, have an accident, or are otherwise unable (or unwilling) to manage your own affairs at any time throughout your life.
What does it mean for your banking?
It depends on the type of Power of Attorney you have appointed, and the instructions (if any) set out in the Power of Attorney document. They could have as much or as little access and control of your banking as you allow.
To give a Power of Attorney access to your bank accounts, or if you hold power of attorney for a Bank Australia customer, please get in touch and we can help you with the process. There are different requirements depending on the state the Power of Attorney document is issued in, though we will need to see the original or certified copy of the document and a completed form. Usually, the Attorney can sign on the Principal's behalf.
What happens if you don’t have POA?
If you don't have or don’t want a Power of Attorney, you can alternatively choose to add a signatory to your account. However a signatory to your account is more limited in what they can do.
What does it mean to hold Enduring Power of Attorney?
The main difference is that an Enduring Power of Attorney can still make decisions on your behalf if you were to lose mental capacity – whereas a general Power of Attorney cannot.
Eligibility and other considerations
Anyone can be a Power of Attorney – as long as they’re 18 or over, are not bankrupt, and are deemed to have ‘normal’ mental capacity. This means they understand the consequences of the decisions they make.
Generally, it’s someone you trust unreservedly to have your best interests at heart. Often, it’s a spouse or family member, friend, accountant, or lawyer.
The important thing to remember is that both you and your Power of Attorney understand the general nature of the decisions you make, and that you make the decisions freely.
Power of Attorney and financial abuse
A power of attorney can be a great way of ensuring your financial affairs are managed. In many instances, appointing a POA can protect individuals and their finances, and enable them to continue to manage their affairs should something unexpected happen. However, there is a potential for these powers to be misused, and in certain situations some people may be at a higher risk of abuse.
We are able to provide general advice only, and won't be able to tell you if appointing a POA is best for your circumstances. Consider getting legal advice if you have concerns or questions. You can also find more resources on financial abuse here.
How to appoint a Power of Attorney?
The process can depend on where you live – it’s managed at a state level. Find out more from the relevant agency in your state or territory.
When does it end?
General Power of Attorney
A General Power of Attorney can end in any of the following circumstances;
- It’s cancelled
- The Principal dies or becomes what’s deemed to be mentally incompetent
- The Attorney dies or becomes what’s deemed to be mentally incompetent
- The Attorney resigns as Attorney
- The Attorney becomes bankrupt (only in some states)
- The expiry date in the document has passed
A General Power of Attorney can be cancelled in the following ways, providing the Principal is what’s deemed to be mentally competent.
- Being torn up
- The Principal telling the Attorney that it has been cancelled
- By completing a revocation of Power of Attorney form (only in some States)
Financial Management Orders
Financial management orders give someone else the ability to make finance and property related decisions. A financial management order may be appointed by a Tribunal or Court when a person is considered incapable of managing their affairs, where for power of attorneys you need to be mentally capable of understanding the nature of the appointment.
