Ensuring Your Future with a Durable Power of Attorney in Israel

In a world where uncertainties are part of our daily lives, planning for the future becomes not just an option but a necessity. One significant aspect of this planning is drafting a lasting power of attorney. Only qualified attorneys, specifically trained by the General Guardian in the Ministry of Justice, are authorized to assist in this process, ensuring individuals prepare for any eventuality by determining in advance who will take care of them if they become unable to manage their own affairs.

Understanding Lasting Power of Attorney

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) in Israel is a legal document that allows you to decide today who will take care of your personal, financial, and medical affairs in the future, should you lose the capacity to do so yourself. This alternative to guardianship doesn't require court approval, making it a more efficient and personalized option.

Household Economy and Personal Needs

Imagine you have various household responsibilities, from paying bills to managing daily expenses. By drafting an LPA, you can appoint a trusted family member or friend to handle these tasks on your behalf, ensuring that your personal needs and household economy are managed smoothly even if you're no longer able to oversee them yourself.

Medical Decisions

Consider a situation where you might be incapacitated due to illness or accident. With an LPA, you can specify in advance your preferences for medical treatment, from routine care to critical decisions about life-sustaining treatments. Your appointed agent will have the authority to act on your behalf, aligning medical interventions with your personal values and choices.

Personal Affairs

Think about daily life activities—managing household expenses, paying bills, or even making decisions about your living arrangements. An LPA ensures that these personal matters are handled smoothly, reflecting your lifestyle choices and preferences.

The Importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney

Creating a lasting power of attorney is more than just filling out paperwork; it's about securing peace of mind. It allows you to give specific instructions on how your affairs should be handled, ensuring your wishes are respected and followed even when you can't communicate them.

The difference between a Lasting Power of Attorney and a Will

It's important to distinguish between a lasting power of attorney and a will, as they are separate legal instruments with distinct purposes. A will allows you to decide what happens to your property after your death, but it does not cover the period during which you are still alive. You cannot use a will to specify how your property should be managed while you are still living, nor can you designate who will handle your medical and personal care. On the other hand, a lasting power of attorney addresses these exact concerns, enabling you to appoint someone to manage your affairs and make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself.

How It Works

The process of creating an LPA in Israel involves several critical steps:

1. Choosing Your Agent: Select a person who is not only trustworthy but also understands and respects your wishes.

2. Drafting the Document: This document must be prepared by a lawyer trained by the General Guardian in the Ministry of Justice.

3. Depositing with the General Guardian: The finalized document is deposited with the General Guardian.

4. Activation: The LPA comes into effect when the appointing person loses the capacity to understand their affairs. The agent sends a notice of activation to the General Guardian.

Is a Lasting Power of Attorney Right for You?

This legal arrangement is suitable for anyone who is fully competent and clear-minded, wishing to predetermine how their life will be managed in the future. If you value your autonomy and want to ensure that your affairs are handled exactly as you wish, an LPA is a prudent choice.

Questions to Consider

·  Who do you trust implicitly to make decisions on your behalf?

·  Have you discussed your preferences and values with potential agents?

·  What specific instructions would you include in your LPA to ensure your wishes are respected?

Remember, planning ahead with a lasting power of attorney is a proactive step toward safeguarding your future. Don't leave it to chance—take action today to explore your options and secure peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.

Disclaimer: This text is only for lasting power of attorney that fits to the Israeli law. This text is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, please contact us directly.

Yechiel Akish - Law Office, offers personal and professional guidance in drafting a lasting power of attorney, ensuring all legal standards are met.

Yechiel Akish holds a Bachelor's degree (LLB) and a Master's degree in Law (LLM) from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and is certified by the Ministry of Justice to draft legal documents such as Lasting power of attorney, expressions of will, and advance directives.