As well as a Will, we can draft Enduring Powers of Attorneys and Advance Health Directives.
A Will is the document that states what is to happen to your assets, who receives guardianship of any minor children you may have, what your wishes for burial or cremation are, who your executors are to be and anything else you would like your estate to do when you pass away.
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) allows a person, or persons you nominate to act in your stead as if they were you (there are some restrictions). This is very useful if you are away during an important event and need someone to handle your affairs (i.e overseas when property is being sold) or have lost capacity to deal with your assets (i.e. been in an accident).
An Advance Health Directive (AHD) allows you to specify what you would like any medical professionals to do should you lose capacity and need treatment. For example, you can direct that a doctor does not resuscitate you or you are not kept alive by life support. AHD's are not for everyone. They give very specific instructions. Some people wish to delegate that power to their family. However, it is best to keep in mind that your family may not fully understand what you want, or when it comes down to it, they may be unable to make the decision you wanted. For example, they may be unable to give the medical professionals the direction to turn off life support. With an AHD this takes the decision out of the hands of your loved ones and directs what is to occur.
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