Planning Beyond the Will: Why an Enduring Power of Attorney Matters

You and your spouse may already have Wills in place — that’s a great first step. A Will ensures your wishes are carried out after your passing, from who manage and inherit your assets to who care for your children.

But what if one of you becomes physically or mentally incapable of handling your property, financial, or personal welfare matters due to illness or accident?

That’s where an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) comes in - you and your spouse can appoint some people either of you trust (often the same people/executors named in your and your spouse’s Wills) to manage one of your affairs while one of you is still alive but unable to act for yourself. The EPA only takes effect when two qualified medical practitioners confirm the loss of capacity — and “endures”/remains in force for as long as needed.

“Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.” (Ecc 11:2) - instead of relying on external factor/court to decide for you, you and your spouse have the choice to choose (in advance) your respective trusted people to manage your/your spouse’s affairs, and EPA is a more cost-effective way to deal with your/your spouse’s affairs as compared to relying on trusts/court.

Need help on your estates/personal welfare-planning? Feel free to PM me.

This article dated 16 July 2025 is contributed by Maple Chieng from Maple Chieng & Co. for general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.  

Maple Chieng & Co is experienced in providing consultations and estates/personal welfare-planning services to individuals in addition to her main areas of practice, i.e. corporate and commercial matters. Please refer to our website at https://www.maplechiengco.com/ for further information.

If you have any specific queries or require advice/assistance, please contact us at maple@maplechiengco.com