An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) gives someone the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. There are two types:
Personal care and welfare EPA
This EPA allows your attorney to make decisions about your day-to-day care, such as where you live, who cares for you, and what medical treatment you receive. Specific types of personal care orders can include arrangements relating to:
Property EPA
This EPA allows your attorney to make decisions about your property, including your money, investments, assets, and KiwiSaver. They can also manage your bank accounts, pay your bills, and sell your house and other property.
You can choose to give your attorney general power to make decisions about all of these areas, or you can limit their power in certain ways. For example, you can restrict your attorney from signing a will on your behalf, or you can limit the amount of money they can borrow.
An EPA is different from an ordinary power of attorney, which is best used for temporary situations and ends if you lose legal capacity. An EPA is used for longer term protection and doesn't end when you lose legal capacity.
To find out more about the role of EPAs click here: Planning Your Future - And the role of Enduring Powers of Attorney or here Enduring Power of Attorney - prepare for the unexpected: A vital tool in planning for the future
You can also find useful information at the Office for Seniors here: Enduring Power of Attorney - Office for Seniors and here: Enduring Power of Attorney - Property
Brochures explaining EPAs in different languages can also be accessed here: Enduring Power of Attorney - Different language brochures
