What is an Ordinary Power of Attorney?

An Ordinary Power of Attorney (OPA) is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to manage your financial affairs temporarily, typically while you still have mental capacity. This type of power is often used for short-term needs, like managing finances while you’re abroad. It can be limited to specific tasks or accounts. An OPA remains valid only as long as you have the capacity to make your own decisions.

What are the benefits of creating an OPA?

1. Convenience: An OPA allows a trusted person to handle financial matters on your behalf, which is especially useful if you’re temporarily unavailable, such as during extended travel or hospital stays.

2. Flexibility: You can customize the OPA to grant authority over specific tasks or accounts, limiting your attorney’s powers to what’s necessary for your needs.

3. Peace of Mind: With a designated attorney, you can ensure that bills, financial transactions, or property management continue smoothly without interruption.

4. Cost-Effective: OPAs are generally simpler and quicker to set up than more complex arrangements, making them a cost-effective way to delegate financial tasks temporarily.

5. Control: Since an OPA only lasts while you have mental capacity, you retain full control and can revoke the power at any time if your circumstances or preferences change.

An OPA provides practical support for managing financial affairs, giving you control and flexibility while ensuring your responsibilities are in trusted hands