Why do I need an Enduring Power of Attorney?

There are two different types of Enduring Power of Attorney, a property attorney and a personal care and welfare attorney. You are only allowed one personal care and welfare attorney. You give consent for the attorney to make decisions for your welfare and property matters, on your behalf. You can elect an attorney to act when you are mentally able to or when you do not have mental capacity. If you don’t have an EPA this means your family may need to go to the Family Court to get welfare and property orders if you lose your mental capacity.

Who should I appoint as my Enduring Power of Attorney?

You can only have one Attorney for your Personal Care and Welfare, this attorney will only be able to make decisions on your behalf after you lose capacity. You can appoint two attorneys for your Enduring Power of Attorney in relation to Property. You can chose for them to act jointly or individually and before you lose capacity. These have to be people that you trust. You can appoint more than one successor attorneys for both Personal Care and Welfare and Property. You can also nominate a person for your attorney to consult with before they make a decision on your behalf. It is more convenient for your attorney to be ideally in the same city as the donor.

What is the difference between a Will and Power of Attorney?

Under the Property (Relationships) Act, property is usually divided equally. However, you may be entitled to more depending on your circumstances.

How to Activate Enduring Power of Attorney?

A medical practitioner is required to write a letter stating that the donor has lost capacity for the Enduring Power of Attorney to be activated. A medical practitioner is not required to sign off the Enduring Power of Attorney for Property if the donor chose to give authority for the attorney to act prior to the donor losing capacity.

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Enduring Power of Attorney

Reliable and trustworthy enduring power of attorney services in Christchurch - Ensuring your wishes are respected

Secure your future with our enduring power of attorney services in Christchurch, designed to safeguard your interests and ensure your wishes are upheld. Our reliable and trustworthy team specialises in creating comprehensive power of attorney documents that reflect your desires and provide peace of mind. Whether you're planning for health care decisions or managing your assets, our local expertise ensures that every aspect of your needs is covered. Trust Christchurch's premier legal professionals to handle your enduring power of attorney with the utmost care and respect.

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What is an enduring power of attorney?

An enduring power of attorney is a legal arrangement granting someone you trust the authority to make important decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This crucial document can cover personal care and welfare, including health decisions, or property matters, ensuring your financial and personal affairs are managed according to your wishes. Establishing an enduring power of attorney provides security and peace of mind, knowing your interests are protected during unforeseen circumstances. It's a proactive step towards safeguarding your future and maintaining control over your life choices.

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Enduring power of attorney forms

Enduring Powers of Attorney come in two types: one for Personal Care and Welfare and another for Property. To be legally valid, these forms must be properly executed, including a notes and glossary section, the template, and a certificate signed by an independent witness, such as a solicitor or legal executive. The witness cannot be connected to any attorneys or successors named in the document. For example, if seeking Enduring Powers of Attorney for parents, they must receive independent advice, though the forms can be prepared by Weston Ward & Lascelles.

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Why choose Weston Ward & Lascelles for enduring power of attorney services?

Benefit from over 140 years of trusted legal expertise in Christchurch, providing personalised and effective solutions tailored to secure your assets and future.

Expertise and Experience

Weston Ward & Lascelles boasts a long-standing history of providing reliable legal services in Christchurch. Our team of seasoned professionals specialise in the intricacies of enduring power of attorney, ensuring your documents are legally sound and tailored to your needs.

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Compassionate Approach

Understanding the sensitivity of planning for the future, Weston Ward & Lascelles prioritises a client-centered approach. We take the time to understand your unique situation and preferences, offering compassionate guidance and personalised solutions.

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Comprehensive support

From drafting your enduring power of attorney to offering independent legal advice, Weston Ward & Lascelles provides a full spectrum of services. Our commitment to ensuring every detail is addressed means you can have complete confidence that your affairs will be managed according to your wishes.

Enduring Power of Attorney FAQs

Got a question? Our team of experienced power of attorney lawyers based in Christchurch are here to help.

Why do I need an Enduring Power of Attorney?

There are two different types of Enduring Power of Attorney, a property attorney and a personal care and welfare attorney. You are only allowed one personal care and welfare attorney. You give consent for the attorney to make decisions for your welfare and property matters, on your behalf. You can elect an attorney to act when you are mentally able to or when you do not have mental capacity. If you don’t have an EPA this means your family may need to go to the Family Court to get welfare and property orders if you lose your mental capacity.
Who should I appoint as my Enduring Power of Attorney?

You can only have one Attorney for your Personal Care and Welfare, this attorney will only be able to make decisions on your behalf after you lose capacity. You can appoint two attorneys for your Enduring Power of Attorney in relation to Property. You can chose for them to act jointly or individually and before you lose capacity. These have to be people that you trust. You can appoint more than one successor attorneys for both Personal Care and Welfare and Property. You can also nominate a person for your attorney to consult with before they make a decision on your behalf. It is more convenient for your attorney to be ideally in the same city as the donor.
What is the difference between a Will and Power of Attorney?

Under the Property (Relationships) Act, property is usually divided equally. However, you may be entitled to more depending on your circumstances.
How to Activate Enduring Power of Attorney?

A medical practitioner is required to write a letter stating that the donor has lost capacity for the Enduring Power of Attorney to be activated. A medical practitioner is not required to sign off the Enduring Power of Attorney for Property if the donor chose to give authority for the attorney to act prior to the donor losing capacity.