Planning ahead isn’t just about writing a will. It’s also about making sure someone you trust can step in and make decisions if you ever can’t. A power of attorney gives another person the legal right to act on your behalf, whether you’re unwell, overseas, or simply need help managing your affairs.

We help clients set up powers of attorney during key life moments like separation, marriage, or starting a family. It’s a simple step that protects your finances, your health decisions, and your peace of mind.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to make decisions for you. These decisions can relate to your finances, your property, or your personal matters, depending on what you allow.

If you’re thinking about future planning, it’s worth knowing that a power of attorney applies during your lifetime, while a Will takes effect after you pass away. Having both ensures your wishes are clear at every stage.

Setting up a power of attorney correctly ensures your wishes are respected if you lose the ability to make decisions. There are two main types in Queensland:

  • General power of attorney – used for a specific time or purpose, often while you’re overseas or unavailable.
  • Enduring power of attorney – continues to be valid even if you lose capacity due to illness or injury.

You can appoint one person or multiple people, and you can set clear rules about when and how they can act for you.

When and Why Do I Need a Power of Attorney

A power of attorney can protect you in everyday situations and in times of crisis. You might need one if:

  • You’re recovering from surgery or illness
  • You’re living with a medical condition that affects your thinking or memory
  • You’re travelling and need someone to manage your affairs back home
  • You want a trusted person to help manage your finances

Life doesn’t always go to plan. Having a power of attorney in place gives you control now, so you’re not left unprotected later. It also takes pressure off your family, helping them act on your behalf without delays or legal hurdles.

What Your Attorney Can and Can’t Do Legally

A power of attorney gives someone legal authority to act for you, but their powers have clear limits.

What an Attorney Can Do

What an Attorney Can’t Do

Pay bills and manage your bank accounts

Change your Will

Make decisions about property, shares, or investments

Make decisions after your death

Sign legal and financial documents on your behalf

Act against your written instructions

Make personal or health decisions (if included in the power)

Benefit from their role unless clearly allowed

You decide the rules. You choose who to appoint, what powers they have, and when those powers start.

How to Set Up a Power of Attorney in Queensland

Setting up a power of attorney incorrectly can cause serious problems down the track. At JP Family Law & Mediation, we help clients make sure everything is legally sound, easy to understand, and aligned with their wishes.

Here’s how the process works with the right support:

  1. Choose your attorney – Pick someone you trust. This could be a family member, friend, or professional, and you can choose more than one person.
  2. Define their powers clearly – You can give them authority over financial matters, personal matters, or both. You can also set conditions or limits.
  3. Complete the right form – In Queensland, powers of attorney must be set out using the official legal form for either an enduring power of attorney or a general power of attorney, and must be signed and witnessed properly.
  4. Store it safely – Keep the original in a secure place and give a copy to your attorney. You might also want to let your doctor or other professionals know.
  5. Get legal advice – A lawyer can help you prepare the document properly and avoid any issues that may arise if the form is filled out incorrectly or is unclear.

Protecting Your Family During Times of Change

When life changes, your legal documents should keep up. Separation, divorce, remarriage, or welcoming a child can all affect who you’d want making decisions on your behalf.

Without a valid power of attorney in place, your family may face delays, disputes, or added stress if something unexpected happens. Having clear instructions in place means your choices are respected, and the people you trust can step in when needed.

We often help clients review or set up powers of attorney during major life transitions. It’s a practical step that gives you clarity, control, and peace of mind.

How We Can Help with Power of Attorney

At JP Family Law & Mediation, our Power of Attorney Solicitors help individuals and families set up powers of attorney that reflect their needs, values, and future plans. 

We work with clients across Brisbane and regional Queensland through remote and online appointments, making legal support more accessible.

We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we’ll listen to what matters most to you and guide you through each step with clear advice and practical support.

Whether you’re starting fresh or updating old documents, we’ll make sure your power of attorney is legally valid, easy to understand, and built to protect the life you’ve worked hard to create.

Ready to Set Up Power of Attorney?

Putting a power of attorney in place gives you control, protects your family, and avoids legal delays if something goes wrong. At JP Family Law & Mediation, we make the process simple, clear, and personalised to your needs.

Book a consultation to get started, or call 1300 446 030 and speak with our friendly team to protect your future today.