Understanding powers of attorney

An enduring power of attorney is a written document that a principal uses to authorise an attorney to make decisions about their financial and personal matters. The purpose of the appointment is to enable the attorney to make decisions for the principal if the principal loses the capacity to make those decisions.

The form to appoint an enduring power of attorney is available on the website of the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) (www.publicadvocate. vic.gov.au). There is no process to register an enduring power of attorney.