Local Expert Series With Simon - Ep 6 featuring Simone Hargreaves (part 2)

Welcome to our "Local Expert" video series, where we bring together local professionals to share their insights and expertise.

In episode 6 we continue our conversation with Simone Hargreaves who is the Principal Lawyer and Director of The Estate Planning Centre, a boutique legal practice specialising in all aspects of estate planning. Simone and her team work with clients across Australia to ensure their legal, medical and financial wishes are clearly documented and protected, helping families navigate complex decisions with clarity and peace of mind. 

In part two of three videos, Simone explains Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Attorney - essential legal documents that allow trusted individuals to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf, either immediately or if you lose capacity in the future.

Unlike medical decision-making (handled by an Enduring Guardian), a Power of Attorney focuses on decisions like property transactions, accessing bank accounts, and dealing with government agencies such as Centrelink or Medicare.

These documents can be tailored to come into effect immediately or only upon loss of capacity. offering flexibility depending on your personal circumstances.

Without a Power of Attorney, loved ones may need to make urgent and stressful applications to bodies like NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal) for Financial Management Orders - a process that can be slow, invasive, and result in government-appointed decision-makers.

Why is a Power of Attorney Important?

Without it, even a long-time spouse cannot legally act on your behalf for financial matters.

It’s not just for the elderly, younger adults may also need someone to act for them in situations like travel, illness, or temporary incapacity.

Simone shares a cautionary tale of a property-rich couple where one lost capacity and hadn’t prepared this document, delaying access to funds urgently needed for medical care and causing extreme family stress.

Key Takeaways

✅ Not just for seniors – incapacity can happen at any age; Powers of Attorney are relevant for everyone.

✅ Avoid costly delays – without this document, families may face stressful tribunal applications.

✅ Take agency – appoint someone you trust, not a government body.

✅ It’s flexible – you can choose when the power starts: immediately or only if capacity is lost.

✅ Quick to create, massive protection - one document can prevent a legal and emotional crisis.

Stay tuned for part 3 of estate planning with Simone coming soon. 

Thanks for watching!

Simon

p.s/ If you'd like to check out the first part of our interview with Simone click here, and for Episode 1 of our Local Experts series you can view our interview with Retirement Coach Jon Glass here!

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