4 legal documents every adult should consider

Getting your affairs in order is an important part of preparing for the future. Here are four important legal documents that every adult should consider.

June 23, 2023

Will 

A will is a legal document that sets out what you want to happen to your things after you die. There are lots of options for making a will - you can buy a will kit, write one yourself or have a lawyer draw up a will professionally. These can be complex documents, and if you make a mistake, it could mean that your wishes don't get carried out.   

Enduring Power of Attorney 

An enduring power of attorney allows you to nominate a person who will be able to help in your financial affairs and make financial decisions and/or or attend to the payment of bills and expenses if you are unable to do so yourself due to illness or loss of capacity.   

Enduring Power of Guardianship 

This legal document authorises a person of your choice to make important personal, lifestyle and treatment decisions on your behalf should you ever become incapable of making them yourself. This could include decisions about where you live and support services you receive.   

 Advanced Care Directive 

This enables you to make decisions now about the treatment you would want - or not want - to receive if you ever became sick or injured and couldn’t communicate your wishes. It effectively becomes your voice.

Contact your local Legal Services professional who will be able to guide you through these important (and potentially complicated) documents and make sure that they are correctly prepared according to your wishes.

Source: publicadvocate.wa.gov.au

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