There may be a time when it's necessary to appoint someone to manage your financial, medical or personal affairs. This may be due to an immediate short-term need, such as an extended overseas trip, or a long-term plan for someone aged or with a disability or illness.
On this page:
Power of attorney Enduring power of attorney Enduring power of guardianship Medical power of attorney Anticipatory direction Power of attorney
This is a legal document appointing someone you choose to manage your financial affairs in certain situations while you are still able to manage your own affairs. For example, if you were going overseas for an extended period, signing a power of attorney enables someone you trust to act on your behalf while you're away.
Engage a solicitor to complete a power of attorney for you.
Do it yourself options
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Enduring power of attorney
This is a legal document where you appoint a person of your choice to manage your assets and financial affairs if you are unable to do so due to illness, an accident or your absence.
- The Public Trustee can prepare your documentation if you appoint them as your attorney. More information on enduring power of attorney is provided on its website.
- Engage a solicitor to prepare your documentation.
Do it yourself options
- Buy a kit and get information from your local Legal Services Commission office to complete your own.
- Buy a kit from the Service SA Online Shop to complete your own.
- Buy a kit from the Service SA Government Information Centre at 108 North Terrace, Adelaide or phone 13 23 24.
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Enduring power of guardianship
This is a legal document where you appoint a person of your choice to make medical and lifestyle decisions for you should you become incapable of doing so.
- Visit the Public Trustee website for more information. It can prepare the documentation to appoint an enduring guardian of your choice.
- Engage a solicitor to prepare your documentation.
Do it yourself options
- Buy a kit and get information from your local Legal Services Commission office to complete your own.
- Buy a kit from Service SA online shop to complete your own.
- Buy a kit from the Service SA Government Information Centre at 108 North Terrace, Adelaide or phone 13 23 24.
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Medical power of attorney
A medical power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make decisions about your medical treatment if you become mentally or physically incapable of deciding for yourself.
Get advice from your local Legal Services Commission office on how to complete your own or phone 1300 366 424.
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Anticipatory direction
An anticipatory direction outlines your preferences for medical treatment if one day you cannot decide for yourself. It will only apply if you are in the final stage of a terminal illness or in a persistent vegetative state. It can be used as a stand-alone document or accompany the medical power of attorney or enduring power of guardianship.
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More information
Other websitesLaw Handbook - Legal Services Commission of SA
Office of the Public Advocate