An enduring power of attorney (Enduring Power of Attorney) is a legal document that grants another person (an agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to make decisions on your behalf in financial, medical, and property matters, even if you are unable to make decisions yourself due to illness, age, or any other circumstance.

Unlike an ordinary power of attorney, which loses its effect when you lose your decision-making capacity, an enduring power of attorney remains in force even in such circumstances. This is why it is so important — it ensures you will not be left without legal representation in difficult times.

Who Needs an Enduring Power of Attorney?

• Every adult — Anyone 18 years of age and older can and should consider this.
• Parents — To protect their children and assets in case of emergency.
• Business owners — To ensure business continuity in your absence.
• People with health issues — To prepare in advance before an urgent need may arise.
• Single individuals — To choose who will handle their affairs in the absence of a "natural" family member.

What Is the Difference Between an Ordinary Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney?

An ordinary power of attorney loses its effect the moment you are unable to make decisions. An enduring power of attorney, by contrast, remains in force precisely when you need it most. This is why legal experts recommend preparing an enduring power of attorney as part of comprehensive estate planning.

Why Choose David Wasserman Law Office?

In drafting an enduring power of attorney, a small detail can render the entire document invalid. We are a boutique law office in Modiin with deep expertise in family law, wills, estate law, and real property. We know all the details — from legal language to bank and public institution requirements. In every case, we treat you as a person, not a number.

Fair question: How much does a durable power of attorney cost? The answer depends on the complexity of your case, but we believe in complete transparency.

Typical Price Ranges

In Israel, the recommended price for a durable power of attorney (according to the Bar Association) ranges from ₪1,500 to ₪3,500, depending on complexity. However, there are cases that require additional work:

• Simple durable power of attorney (one representative, basic scope): ₪1,500–₪2,000
• Durable power of attorney with certain limitations (such as bank-only durable power of attorney, or limited healthcare proxy): ₪2,000–₪2,500
• Complex durable power of attorney (multiple representatives, multiple areas, complex assets): ₪2,500–₪3,500

What Is Included in Our Fee?

When you contact the law office of David Wasserman, our fee includes:

• Full initial consultation (one to one and a half hours)
• Drafting the document tailored to your needs
• Complete legal review
• Instructions for signing and witnesses
• Assistance with submission to relevant authorities (banks, government offices)
• Secure copy storage at our office

Durable Power of Attorney for Banking — Special Requirements

If you want your power of attorney to be valid at your bank, there are special requirements. Banks often require their own form or specific legal certification. We handle this for you — we know exactly what each bank needs.

Durable Power of Attorney and Healthcare Proxy

"Healthcare proxy" is a colloquial term for a durable power of attorney in the medical field. If you want someone to be able to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot, this is a crucial part of your power of attorney. We implement this in a legally sound and clear manner.

Additional Costs — Witness Fees and Bureaucracy

Typically, you do not need to pay significant additional costs. However, if there are special needs (such as court filing or medical certification), we will notify you in advance.

Benefits of Durable Power of Attorney

1. Peace of Mind

You know that if something happens, there is someone you trust who will handle your affairs. This is no small matter. Many people live in anxiety over the thought that they haven't prepared for this. Durable power of attorney removes this stress.

2. Preventing Court Proceedings

If you don't prepare a durable power of attorney and lose decision-making capacity, your family members will need to file a petition with the court for the appointment of a guardian. This will take time, money, and cause conflict. A durable power of attorney prevents this entirely.

3. Preserving Your Dignity and Autonomy

With a durable power of attorney, you decide who will handle your affairs, not the court. This preserves your dignity and your autonomy.

4. Flexibility

You can grant partial powers (financial only, healthcare only) or full powers. You can set limitations. You have complete control.

Risks and Common Mistakes

1. Choosing the Wrong Agent

This is the most common mistake. People choose an agent by default, not because they truly trust them. This can be catastrophic. In our consultation, we help you think clearly about who really should be your agent.

2. Invalid or Unclear Document

If the document does not meet legal requirements, banks and institutions will not accept it. This is what happens when inexpensive or inexperienced firms draft it. We ensure your document is valid and clear.

3. Failure to Update

If your life circumstances change (divorce, relocation to another country, change of agent), you need to update your power of attorney. People often forget this. We help you stay current.

4. Lack of Communication with the Agent

Your agent needs to know that they are an agent, what their powers are, and where the document is stored. Many people don't discuss this. We recommend clear documentation.

What Happens If You Don't Create a Durable Power of Attorney?

If you lose decision-making capacity and don't have a durable power of attorney, your family members will need to file a petition with the court. The court will appoint a guardian on your behalf. This can be:

• Time-consuming (months)
• Expensive (legal costs)
• Public (not discreet)
• Not necessarily who you would have chosen

A durable power of attorney prevents all of this.

The Conclusion: A durable power of attorney is the right choice for most people. It is fast, affordable, private, and you retain complete control.