What you need to know about Advance Care Directives and Powers of Attorney

May 5, 2026

An Advance Care Directive sets out your wishes regarding future healthcare, accommodation and lifestyle decisions. Setting out legally binding refusals of healthcare, it enables you to appoint someone as your substitute decision maker if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

ACDs are becoming a mandatory requirement for nursing homes, hospitals and doctors.

A Power of Attorney is a document that gives a person the power to act on your behalf while you are alive in relation to your legal and financial affairs.

Powers of Attorney cease upon your death, at which time your will comes into effect.

There are two forms of Power of Attorney:

  • General POA: an authority given to one or more persons to manage your finances, tax, social security, assets, investments, and legal affairs
  • Enduring POA: operates when you become legally incapacitated.

Our wills and estate planning lawyers can prepare these important documents for you. Call 8447 4466 to make an appointment.

Subscribe to our bi-monthly e-newsletter for articles delivered direct to your inbox




    Logo of Scammell & Co Lawyers, a legal firm in Adelaide
    ABN 19 668 739 151
    Copyright 2025 Scammell & Co. Lawyers Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.