When Someone Needs Help Making Decisions

Sometimes, people need help looking after their health, money, or day-to-day life. This might be because they are sick, have a disability, a head injury, or mental health challenges. The need for help might be short-term or long-term.

There are three main ways to make sure a person is cared for if they can’t make decisions for themselves:

1. Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)
   If the person is still able to decide, they can choose someone they trust to make decisions for them later if they become unwell.
   
   

2. Family Court – Appointed Support
   If the person can’t choose someone, the Family Court can appoint a welfare guardian (for personal decisions) or a property manager (for money matters).
   
   

3. Personal Order
   The Family Court can also make a one-off decision to help with a specific situation.
   
   

The court will only get involved as much as needed, and it can also review decisions if someone thinks an EPA or appointed person isn’t acting fairly.

It is never too early to begin this process. 

Links to the ministry of justice specific pages

The court & enduring power of attorney (EPA)

Welfare guardians

Help to look after property

Personal Orders

Ask for a review of an Order