The restrictions and authorities of an attorney can be outlined in the Power of Attorney. The attorney is a fiduciary of the donor, which means they must act in the donor's best interest.
Attorney authorities might include:
- Property decisions, such as selling, exchanging, buying, or mortgaging a property on behalf of the donor.
- Contractual decisions, such as signing contractual agreements on behalf of the donor.
- Financial management, such as paying the donor’s debts and taxes.
Enduring attorneys may also be eligible to make personal care decisions for the donor. This may include benefit application, which involves applying for benefits and social welfare payments for the donor, as well as daily activities and routines.
Enduring attorneys can also make decisions regarding:
- Employment and education decisions include signing the donor up for training, education, or employment opportunities.
- Social activities such as managing extracurricular and social activities for the donor to partake in.
- Accommodation choices include organising care and accommodations, including assisted living and home healthcare.
Neither an enduring nor a general attorney can make medical decisions. An Advanced Healthcare Directive, or Living Will, must be completed to appoint an individual to make medical care decisions.