EPOA Medical vs Property
What You Need to Know
Planning for the future isn’t just smart—it’s essential. One way to ensure your affairs are handled according to your wishes, even if you’re unable to manage them yourself, is through an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA). EPOAs come in two key forms: Medical (Personal Care and Welfare) and Property. Here's how they differ—and how Sutcliffe Matson Law can help you with both.
What Is an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)?
An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone, your attorney, to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity due to illness or an accident. EPOAs remain valid even if you become mentally incapacitated. Without one in place, your loved ones may have to apply to the court for permission to act on your behalf, which is often costly and time-consuming, with little to no control over who gets appointed.
Medical & Personal Care (Personal Care & Welfare EPOA)
Purpose:
This EPOA gives your appointed attorney authority over decisions regarding your healthcare, personal care, and overall welfare.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Communication with healthcare professionals
Decisions on medical treatments and hospitalisation
Arrangements for rest home or aged-care placement
Attorney Structure:
You can appoint one attorney (plus a successor if needed) who will act if you’re unable. Your wishes can also guide how decisions should be made, including whether your attorney should consult or inform others.
Property EPOA (Financial Matters)
Purpose:
This covers your financial and property interests, ensuring someone you trust can manage your assets, affairs, and transactions.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Accessing bank accounts and paying bills
Managing property titles and real estate transactions
Handling general financial matters
Attorney Structure:
You can appoint multiple attorneys, and decide whether they act jointly (together), or jointly and severally (where one can act independently), the latter is often more practical.
Why Both EPOAs Matter And How They Complement Each Other
A Personal Care EPOA ensures your health and welfare are safeguarded, while a Property EPOA takes care of your financial well-being.
Without either document, your loved ones may be forced through a court application process to gain authority, losing both time and control. EPOAs give you peace of mind and choice.
You choose who is entrusted, what their duties are, and whether they should consult others, ensuring your affairs are handled just the way you want.
How Sutcliffe Matson Law Can Help
Sutcliffe Matson Law makes creating and understanding EPOAs simple, personal, and stress-free:
Whether you're thinking ahead for health care decisions or planning for financial continuity, the team helps you understand your options.
From selecting trusted attorneys to drafting and structuring documents—joint or individual, with consult/inform duties—you're in good hands.
You can appoint backup attorneys to act if your initial pick is unable to.
You’re not alone. Reach out to Braden, Breanna or Shobhna to discuss your needs and set up your EPOAs with care and expertise.
Next Steps?
Don’t wait! Planning now ensures your future stays in your hands, no matter what life throws at you.
Reach out to us today to discuss how an Enduring Power of Attorney, both Personal Care and Property can secure your peace of mind:
Phone: 09 279 8351
Email: braden@smlaw.net.nz | breanna@smlaw.net.nz | shobhna@smlaw.net.nz
Let us help you put the right protections in place, tailored to your life, on your terms.