Why Every Adult in Israel Should Have a Continuing Power of Attorney
- yaelavitanadv
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Life is unpredictable, and while we hope to always make our own decisions, there may come a time when we can’t. A Continuing Power of Attorney (CPOA) - or as some call it - 'a living will' is a powerful legal tool that ensures your wishes are respected if you’re ever unable to make decisions due to mental incapacity.
So what Is a Continuing Power of Attorney?
A CPOA allows you to appoint someone you trust—whether it’s a family member, friend, or professional—to make decisions on your behalf in the event that you are deemed incapacitated.
This form covers 3 main topics:
Financial matters: Managing your bank accounts, property, or investments.
Medical decisions: Choosing treatments or care plans.
Personal matters: Deciding where you live, how you’re cared for and what your day to day will look like.
Why Is It So Important?
You Stay in Control: Without a CPOA - once you're deemed incapacitated, the court decides who will manage your affairs, and this might not align with your wishes.
Prevent Family Disputes: A CPOA reduces the risk of disagreements among loved ones during difficult times.
Tailored Choices: You can assign different responsibilities to different people based on their strengths and your needs. I like to also explain this form as a blueprint that you're passing on, which will guide your loved ones on how to best make these decisions.
Who Decides if I’m Incapacitated?
Only a licensed doctor can declare someone mentally incompetent or incapacitated —not a specific disease or condition. Meaning two people might have the same diagnosis but one may still be able to make decisions, while the other will not. And until the doctor declares you to be incapacitated , you remain in control of your decisions.
Start Planning Today
Creating a CPOA is a straightforward process, but it must be done while you’re fully competent.
As an experienced family lawyer, I can guide you through every step, ensuring your wishes are clear and legally protected.
Don’t wait for uncertainty—plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. Contact me to learn more about drafting your Continuing Power of Attorney.
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