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Continuing Power of Attorney
A continuing power of attorney is a legal document that allows a person to appoint an attorney-in-fact to act on their behalf in the future, if they become unable to make decisions — for example, due to dementia, serious illness, or accident. This important legal tool only takes effect when the principal loses capacity, and is authenticated before a specially trained lawyer.
What is a continuing power of attorney?
A continuing power of attorney is a document prepared under the Legal Capacity and Guardianship Law (Amendment 18), 2016, enabling a competent person (the principal) to determine in advance who will handle their affairs — financial, medical, and personal — if they lose decision-making capacity. The document is authenticated before a lawyer trained by the Administrator General and deposited in the Administrator General's registry. It only takes effect upon loss of capacity.
When do you need a continuing power of attorney?
- Future planning — any adult who wants to ensure someone they choose manages their affairs
- Concern about dementia or Alzheimer's disease
- Before a complex surgery or risky medical procedure
- Elderly parents wanting to appoint their children as attorneys-in-fact
- Business owners wanting to ensure management continuity
- As part of estate and inheritance planning
How does the process work?
- Initial consultation — understanding needs, who will be the attorney, what authorities
- Drafting the continuing POA according to the principal's wishes
- Meeting with the principal for signing — must appear in person and be competent at time of signing
- The principal identifies with a valid ID or passport
- The lawyer authenticates the signature and deposits the document with the Administrator General
Required documents
- Valid ID card or passport of the principal
- Attorney-in-fact details — full name, ID number, address, phone
- Alternate attorney details (if desired)
- "Informed person" details — someone who receives reports on the attorney's actions (optional but recommended)
- Advance directives — the principal's wishes regarding medical care, housing, property management
How much does it cost?
Continuing POA: 197 ₪ for signature authentication (fixed tariff), 77 ₪ per additional copy. Plus lawyer fees for drafting and depositing (varies). All prices before VAT (18%).
Fees are regulated and cannot be changed.
How to get the service?
Office visit
Schedule an initial consultation. The principal must appear in person for signing.
Home visit
The lawyer comes to you — ideal for elderly clients. 645 ₪/hour + travel expenses.
Why BEITON & Co?
- Lawyers certified for continuing POA — Administrator General training
- Personal guidance from start to finish — consultation, drafting, signing, and depositing
- Home visits — home service for elderly and mobility-impaired
- High availability — evenings and Fridays too
- Languages — Hebrew, English, and Arabic
- Sensitivity and professionalism — a personal and sensitive matter handled with respect
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a continuing POA cost?
Signature authentication: 197 ₪ (fixed tariff). Lawyer fees for drafting and depositing — determined at consultation. Before VAT (18%).
Does the principal have to appear in person?
Yes. The principal must appear before the lawyer, identify themselves, and sign personally. They must be competent at the time of signing.
What's the difference between continuing POA and guardianship?
Continuing POA — you choose who manages your affairs, before losing capacity. Guardianship — the court appoints someone after capacity is lost. Continuing POA is preferable because you control the choice.
When does the continuing POA take effect?
Only when the principal loses capacity to make decisions. As long as they're competent, the document is not in effect.
Can a continuing POA be revoked?
Yes, as long as the principal is competent. After losing capacity, revocation is more complex and requires court involvement.
Who can be an attorney-in-fact?
Any adult the principal trusts — spouse, child, sibling, close friend. Appointing an alternate attorney is recommended.
What happens without a continuing POA?
If someone loses capacity without one, family must petition the court for guardianship — a lengthy, expensive process with potentially unwanted outcomes.
Want to set up a continuing power of attorney?
Contact us via WhatsApp for an initial consultation. We guide you from start to finish — consultation, drafting, signing, and depositing.