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VIDEO · 30 OCTOBER 2026

It Depends – Common Mistakes Enduring Attorneys Make (Video)

Cooper Grace Ward
Cooper Grace Ward
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Enduring attorneys often make critical mistakes that can invalidate powers of attorney or create legal complications when managing someone else's affairs. From poor record-keeping and intermingling finances to failing to seek professional advice on complex decisions, these errors can have serious consequences for both the attorney and the person they represent.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial
Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca Edwards
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In this edition of It Depends, special counsel Rebecca Edwards explains four common mistakes made by enduring attorneys and how to avoid them.

An enduring power of attorney made without legal advice and put away for years may be invalid when it is finally needed. Once acting, attorneys can also run into trouble by failing to keep careful financial records or by mixing their finances with the principal’s, including through a joint bank account.

Attorneys should seek financial, accounting and legal advice on complex decisions, such as a move to aged care, so they act in the best interests of the person they are looking after.

Video transcript

Welcome to this edition of It Depends. I’m Rebecca Edwards, a special counsel and today we’re going to be talking about common mistakes that enduring attorneys make.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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