Make a General Power of Attorney

Part of the Power of Attorney topic

You can make a General Power of Attorney to appoint a trusted person to make decisions about your finances while you still have capacity.

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In short

You can use this service to:

  • appoint someone you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf
  • specify a time-period or event during which the power of attorney will apply.

You must submit your completed application online, by post or in person.

See How to how to appoint a General Power of Attorney for the full application process.

Download the PDF form

What you should know

A General Power of Attorney is a legal document. You are the principal and the person you appoint an attorney.

It lets someone manage your financial matters for a period or event. For example, if you are going overseas and need someone to sell your house and pay your bills.

It’s used while you still have capacity to make decisions. If you lose capacity to make decisions, it ends.

When appointed, your attorney can only make decisions about financial matters. These might include decisions about paying bills, managing bank accounts, selling property or handling investments.

You specify the time-period or event that the general power of attorney applies.

Who can use this service

You can appoint a General Power of Attorney if you:

  • are 18 or older
  • have the capacity to understand the document and the power it gives.

Don't use this service if you:

  • are under 18
    Instead, speak to your parent or guardian
  • do not have the capacity to understand the document and the powers it gives
    Instead, cget legal advice or contact the Office of the Public Guardian for help.

How to make a General Power of Attorney

Follow these steps to make a General Power of Attorney.

Step 1: Get a copy of the General Power of Attorney form (form 1)

You can

Step 2: Complete the form

Fill out the form with the details of the:

  • attorney you wish to appoint
  • financial matters they will manage
  • time-period or event the General Power of Attorney will apply.

Step 3: Sign the form in the presence of a witness

You must sign the General Power or Attorney form in the presence of an eligible witness. This could be a:

  • Justice of the Peace
  • Commissioner for Declarations
  • Lawyer
  • Notary public.

The witness must:

  • be present when you sign the form
  • certify that you appeared to understand the nature and effect of the document
  • ensure you are signing the document voluntarily, without pressure.

Step 4: Certify copies of the General Power of Attorney (if required)

If you need to provide certified copies, you can get copies of the document certified [insert link Prod101].

You will need to take the original document and copies to an authorised certifier. This could be a:

  • Justice of the Peace
  • Commissioner for Declarations
  • Lawyer
  • Notary public.

Step 5: Keep and distribute copies to relevant parties

It's important to keep your original General Power of Attorney in a safe place.

Give certified copies of your General Power of Attorney to:

  • your attorney
  • your bank
  • your lawyer
  • other relevant parties.

How long it takes

The time depends on how long it takes you and your attorney to complete and sign the form.

How much it costs

Downloading the form: Free

Buying a paper copy of the form: Prices vary depending on supplier

Last updated:
29 June 2026