---

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)

Secure Your Future Autonomy and Protect Your Family’s Peace of Mind

Planning for the future is one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones.

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) allows you to decide in advance who will manage your affairs if you become unable to make decisions due to illness, injury, or loss of mental capacity.

Without proper planning, your family may face significant legal and administrative challenges during an already difficult time.

At Martina Murphy Solicitors, we help clients put clear, legally robust arrangements in place to protect their dignity, financial security, and independence.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Many people assume their spouse, children, or close relatives can automatically make decisions on their behalf if they lose capacity.

Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Families often find themselves asking:

• What happens if I suffer a serious illness or stroke?
• Who will manage my finances if I can no longer do so?
• How will my bills, investments, or business interests be handled?
• Can my family access my bank accounts to pay for my care?

Without an Enduring Power of Attorney, loved ones may need to apply through formal legal processes to obtain authority to act on your behalf.

Creating an EPA while you have full capacity gives you control over who will make decisions and how those decisions should be managed.

Our Enduring Power of Attorney Services

We provide comprehensive advice and support throughout the EPA process.

Drafting an Enduring Power of Attorney

We prepare legally compliant EPA documents that clearly set out:

• Who you wish to appoint
• The powers you wish to grant
• Any limitations or instructions
• Financial and personal decision-making arrangements

Future Care Planning

We help clients consider important future matters including:

• Personal welfare decisions
• Healthcare preferences
• Residential care arrangements
• Long-term financial management

Business and Asset Protection

For business owners and individuals with significant assets, we ensure that:

• Business interests can continue operating smoothly
• Property and investments remain protected
• Financial decisions can be made efficiently if capacity is lost

DSS Compliance and Registration

We provide guidance on the requirements of the modern Assisted Decision-Making framework and assist with the necessary registration procedures.

The Strategic Advantage: Planning Before a Crisis Occurs

The effectiveness of an Enduring Power of Attorney depends on proper preparation.

An incorrectly drafted document may cause significant delays and complications when it is needed most.

Our role is to ensure your EPA is carefully structured to reflect your wishes while complying with current legal requirements.

We work closely with clients and their families to ensure all documentation is completed correctly and that appropriate safeguards are in place.

By planning early, you can avoid unnecessary legal complications and provide certainty for those closest to you.

Financial Clarity and Long-Term Protection

An EPA is not simply a legal document.

It is a practical tool that protects your financial affairs and helps prevent costly future legal proceedings.

By putting appropriate arrangements in place now, you can help ensure that:

• Bills continue to be paid
• Investments remain managed
• Property can be maintained
• Care costs can be addressed efficiently
• Family members avoid unnecessary legal expenses

Our advice is straightforward, practical, and focused on protecting your long-term interests.

A Simple and Supportive Process

We understand that discussions about future incapacity can feel overwhelming.

Our approach is designed to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible.

Initial Consultation

We take the time to understand:

• Your family circumstances
• Your financial affairs
• Your wishes and priorities
• Any concerns you may have about future decision-making

Preparing the Documentation

We carefully draft the necessary documents and explain:

• The powers being granted
• The responsibilities of your chosen attorney
• The legal safeguards involved

Completion and Registration

Once the documentation is finalised, we assist with the formal execution process and provide guidance regarding registration requirements.

Our objective is to ensure everything is completed correctly and efficiently.

The Martina Murphy Difference

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Martina Murphy Solicitors is committed to helping clients protect their future with confidence.

Clients choose us because we provide:

• Clear and practical legal advice
• Sensitive and respectful guidance
• Comprehensive future planning solutions
• Strong attention to detail
• Exceptional client care

We believe future planning should provide certainty, not confusion.

Our goal is to help you put robust legal protections in place while maintaining complete control over your future decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Enduring Power of Attorney?

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to do so in the future.

Who should I appoint as my attorney?

Most people appoint a spouse, adult child, close relative, or trusted friend.

The most important consideration is choosing someone who is responsible, trustworthy, and capable of acting in your best interests.

Can an EPA be created after someone loses capacity?

No.

An individual must have the mental capacity to understand and sign the EPA at the time it is created.

This is why early planning is essential.

Does an EPA cover financial and personal matters?

An EPA can be structured to address financial affairs and other personal decision-making matters, depending on your circumstances and wishes.

We can advise on the most appropriate arrangements for your situation.

---

Disclaimer

In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.