An Enduring Power of Attorney (or 'EPA' for short) is a legal document that allows you (the donor) to choose someone else (the enduring attorney) to make property and financial decisions on your behalf, even when you no longer have the mental capacity to make those decisions yourself. Your enduring attorney can do anything you can lawfully do, such as operate your bank account or sell your house and other assets. It's different to an Enduring Power of Guardianship, which allows you to choose someone else to manage your health and lifestyle decisions on your behalf. You can make an Enduring Power of Attorney by completing a kit (available at your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau branch for $2) or by making an appointment to see a Citizens Advice Bureau lawyer who will prepare the document on your behalf.

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In what way is an Enduring Power of Attorney different from a Power of Attorney?
When you, as the donor, give someone a Power of Attorney, that person has the same power as a person with an Enduring Power of Attorney. The only difference is this that if you lose your capacity, the person with a Power of Attorney cannot act any more, while a person with an Enduring Power of Attorney can continue to act even after you have lost your capacity.

When can I make an Enduring Power of Attorney?
You can make an Enduring Power of Attorney at any time, as long as you have mental capacity.

Can I restrict my enduring attorney's power?
Yes, you can place restrictions on your enduring attorney. You can also state when your EPA comes into effect: either once you and your enduring attorney sign it or after the State Administrative Tribunal finds you no longer have mental capacity. In an Enduring Power of Attorney you can state how long the Power of Attorney lasts too.

Can I continue to take care of my financial and property matters even after I’ve made an Enduring Power of Attorney?
As long as you have mental capacity, you can carry on your own financial affairs until you give your enduring attorney that power.

Who can I appoint as my enduring attorney?
You can appoint anyone over 18 who has mental capacity, is trustworthy, and will always act in your best interests. They could be someone like your spouse/partner, child, another family member, accountant, or lawyer. You should get their permission beforehand to act as your enduring attorney.

How many enduring attorneys can I appoint?
You can appoint a maximum of two main enduring attorneys and a maximum of two substitute enduring attorneys.

Can my enduring attorneys act together?
Yes, they can act together if you appoint them to be joint enduring attorneys. You can choose to appoint your enduring attorneys to act jointly (together) or jointly and severally (together or separately, one without the other).

Do I have to register my Enduring Power of Attorney?
If you want your enduring attorney to deal with your house or land, it’s a good idea to register your EPA with Landgate within three months of signing it. You may want to seek further legal advice if this applies to you.

Can I revoke my Enduring Power of Attorney?
Yes, you can revoke your EPA at any time, as long as you have mental capacity. You have to inform your enduring attorney and any relevant authorities that you have revoked it. If you’ve registered your EPA at Landgate, you must fill out a form to revoke it. Your enduring attorney can also revoke their appointment, but you must have mental capacity when they do. You should seek legal advice if any of these apply.

How long does an Enduring Power of Attorney last?
An EPA lasts as long as you’re alive. It expires when you die.

What happens once the Enduring Power of Attorney has been drafted?
To make your EPA legal, it needs to be signed by you and your enduring attorney. Your signature must be witnessed by two independent witnesses. One should be someone who can legally witness a statutory declaration, such as a Justice of the Peace, lawyer, doctor, teacher, police officer, pharmacist, or nurse. The other witness can be anyone who is over 18. Your enduring attorney must accept their appointment by signing the EPA – their signature doesn’t need to be witnessed.

Make an appointment for a Citizens Advice Bureau lawyer to prepare an Enduring Power of Attorney on your behalf.

Alternatively, you can pick up an Enduring Power of Attorney information kit for $2 from your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau branch or download and print the kit free of charge.

Read more about Enduring Powers of Attorney at the Office of the Public Advocate website and the WA Government website.

It's also a good idea to consider making a will and prepare an Enduring Power of Guardianship.