Enduring Power of Attorney Cork — Protect Yourself Before It's Too Late

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted person — your attorney — to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity due to illness, accident, or age-related conditions such as dementia. Unlike an ordinary Power of Attorney, an EPA continues to be valid even after you have lost capacity.

Cork solicitors who specialise in EPAs can guide you through the process quickly and ensure the document is properly executed and registered.

Why an Enduring Power of Attorney Matters

If you suffer a stroke, develop dementia, or have a serious accident and you have not made an EPA, your family will have no legal authority to manage your affairs. They cannot access your bank accounts, manage your property, or make healthcare decisions for you without applying to the High Court for a wardship or assisted decision-making arrangement — a process that is expensive, slow, and stressful.

An EPA avoids all of this. It takes effect automatically when you lose capacity, giving your chosen attorney immediate authority.

What Can an EPA Cover?

Under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (as amended), an EPA in Ireland can cover:

• Property and financial affairs — managing bank accounts, paying bills, selling property, managing investments
• Personal welfare decisions — where you live, healthcare treatment decisions, day-to-day care

You can grant authority over one or both areas. Your solicitor helps you decide the scope that suits your situation.

Who Should Be Your Attorney?

Your attorney must be:

• Over 18 years old
• Not bankrupt or have a criminal conviction relating to dishonesty
• Someone you trust completely with financial and/or personal decisions

Most people choose a spouse, adult child, or close family member. You can appoint two attorneys to act jointly (both must agree on decisions) or jointly and severally (either can act independently).

How Is an EPA Made?

Making an EPA in Cork involves:

1. Consulting a solicitor who will advise you on the scope and content
2. Signing the EPA document in the presence of your solicitor (who must certify your capacity)
3. Having your attorney sign an acknowledgment of their duties
4. Notifying specified persons (usually close family members)
5. Registering the EPA with the Decision Support Service (DSS)

Cost of an EPA in Cork

The cost of making an EPA with a Cork solicitor typically ranges from €400 to €800, depending on complexity and whether it covers financial affairs only or personal welfare as well. See: EPA Cost Ireland.

EPA and Your Will — Plan Together

An EPA and a will work hand in hand. Your will governs what happens to your assets after death; your EPA governs what happens during your lifetime if you lose capacity. Cork solicitors often advise preparing both at the same time.

Related EPA Guides

• Full EPA Guide for Cork
• General Power of Attorney
• Registering Your EPA
• Revoking a Power of Attorney
• Power of Attorney Ireland — Full Guide