Power of attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone else the legal right to act on your behalf under the law. This person is called the attorney.

For example, if you are travelling overseas you can give a relative or friend legal right to access your bank account to pay bills.

You can choose when the power of attorney can be used, such as any of the following:

• only when you are overseas
• only in the Northern Territory (NT)
• before you reach a certain age
• for a limited time, such as six months.

A power of attorney lasts until:

• you withdraw it
• it expires
• you become incapable of managing your own affairs
• you die.

Read the Powers of Attorney Act 1980 and Powers of Attorney regulations 1982.