Changing
If you want to change something in your power of attorney, e.g. the person you appointed as attorney, the easiest and surest way is to prepare a new power of attorney.

Cancelling
You should check the requirements in each State/Territory. It is sometimes enough to simply tell the attorney that you don't want them to make any more decisions for you.

The problem is that it can be difficult to prove what you said. The best way is to write on a piece of paper that you are cancelling the power of attorney, or to fill in the appropriate form as prescribed in your State/Territory.

If you do cancel a power of attorney, make sure you destroy all copies, including the attorney's copy.

And don't forget to tell your banks or other agencies that have dealt with the attorney.

It is also possible for a Court or Tribunal to cancel a power of attorney, for instance if it not being used in your best interests.

Last Updated – June 2012