Different documents can cover financial, personal and medical decisions.
Legal planning
Power of attorney: why it is worth organising early
A power of attorney can allow another person to make certain decisions or deal with matters on your behalf. The names, powers and formal requirements differ across Australian states and territories.
Practical guidanceUnderstand the options before making the decision.
At a glance
What to know first
The rules and document names vary by state and territory.
It is easier to put arrangements in place while you clearly have decision-making capacity.
The practical detail
Work through the part that matters to you.
Start with the decisions you want covered
Financial matters can include banking, bills and property. Personal or healthcare decisions may use different documents or decision-maker appointments depending on where you live.
Choose the person, not just the form
Think about trust, availability, financial judgement, family dynamics and whether the person can act calmly if a difficult decision is needed.
Do not assume one document covers everything
The legal framework differs between states and territories. A financial power of attorney may not give the same authority as a healthcare or personal decision-making appointment.
Keep the documents usable
Tell the relevant people where documents are stored and consider providing copies to the people or professionals who may need them. Review arrangements after major life changes.
Before you act
This is general information, not legal advice. Powers of attorney and substitute decision-making laws are state and territory based. Use the official forms and guidance for where you live.
Check the current rules
Official sources used for this guide.
Government rules and thresholds can change. These links take you to the source material used to prepare this page.
Related Later Life guides
Keep going only where it is useful.
When general information is not enough
Talk it through with Liz.
Liz can help connect the general rules to the care and support questions in your own situation. For legal, tax or financial decisions, she will point you back to the appropriate professional or government source.