A continuing power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to grant legal and financial powers to another person (called the "attorney-in-fact") even if you lose your decision-making capacity in the future. Unlike a regular power of attorney, which terminates when the principal becomes incapacitated, a continuing power of attorney remains in effect precisely when you need more help — not less.

In Israel, continuing power of attorney is regulated by the Continuing Power of Attorney Law (5768–2008) and was enacted to protect individuals dealing with dementia, stroke, accidents, or chronic illnesses. It is a vital component of smart legal planning for every family.

What does a continuing power of attorney include?

• Financial powers: Management of bank accounts, decision-making regarding investments, payment of debts, and execution of contracts
• Property powers: Sale, purchase, or lease of assets, including residential apartments and real estate
• Medical powers: Decision-making regarding medical treatment and communication with health institutions (under certain conditions)
• Governmental powers: Representation before government agencies, receipt of benefits, and exercise of legal rights

The document itself must be drafted by an experienced attorney to be valid in the eyes of banks, government agencies, and courts. The importance of professional guidance cannot be overstated — a minor drafting error could result in financial institutions refusing to accept the power of attorney, or even questionable legality in the future.

The process of drafting and depositing a durable power of attorney is orderly, swift, and legally compliant when executed under the guidance of an experienced attorney. Below is the complete process:

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Needs Assessment

In the first meeting, we understand your personal situation, family, assets, and concerns. Are you worried about future medical care? Do you have substantial assets requiring management? Do you have a family you need to provide for? Based on this discussion, we tailor the power of attorney precisely to your needs.

Step 2: Selection of the Attorney-in-Fact

This is a critical decision. The attorney-in-fact must be a person you trust completely—a spouse, adult child, sibling, or close friend. It is important that they be willing to accept the responsibility and capable of acting with sound judgment and genuine family integrity.

Step 3: Precise Drafting of the Document

An experienced attorney drafts the document in accordance with Israeli legal requirements. The document must include: full names, ID numbers, precise description of powers, signature of the attorney-in-fact in the presence of an authorized witness, and a declaration that you understand the document's meaning. Every specific legal detail must be accurate—including names of financial institutions, account numbers, or property descriptions.

Step 4: Signature Before Witnesses and Attorney Signature

You sign the document in the presence of two authorized witnesses (who are not family members) and in the presence of an attorney. The attorney's signature confirms that they have verified your identity, are certain you possess testamentary capacity, and that the document is legally sound.

Step 5: Deposit with a Bank or Legal Entity

After signing, the document is deposited with your bank (so it will be available when needed), the bank branch of the attorney-in-fact, or other organizations such as Yad Sarah (a government institution for coordinating durable powers of attorney). This deposit ensures the document is not lost and will be available when required.

Step 6: Ongoing Updates and Management

A durable power of attorney is not a one-time document. In recent times, families update their power of attorney when circumstances change (home sale, change in medical powers, or replacement of attorney-in-fact). We help you manage the document properly over the years.

Frequently Asked Question: "How much does a durable power of attorney cost?" The answer is that the price depends on the complexity of your case, but we are committed to complete transparency.

Israel Bar Association Recommended Price

The Israel Bar Association has set a recommended price for the preparation and filing of a durable power of attorney. In 2026, the typical cost range is between 2,500 to 4,500 shekels for basic preparation, depending on the depth of consultation and guidance. Additional filing costs (at a bank, government offices, or Yad Sarah) may add another 200-500 shekels.

What Affects the Price?

• Complexity of Powers: A basic power of attorney (financial powers only) is less expensive than a durable power of attorney that includes medical powers and complex asset management
• Family Consultation: If you need help choosing an agent or dealing with family dynamics, this may add to the cost
• Number of Filings: Filing at one bank is less expensive than filing at multiple institutions
• Future Updates: If you want us to update the power of attorney in the future, this may be part of a long-term advisory agreement

Durable Power of Attorney at a Bank — Filing and Management

When filing a durable power of attorney at a bank (such as Bank Leumi, Bank Hapoalim, or another bank), the bank may charge a small filing fee (typically 50-150 shekels). The bank will store the document in your secure file and release it when needed (upon confirmation of loss of decision-making capacity). This is a standard and important procedure.

Durable Power of Attorney at Yad Sarah

Yad Sarah is a government institution that maintains a central registry of durable powers of attorney in Israel. Filing with Yad Sarah is an additional or alternative option to filing at a bank. Yad Sarah charges a small fee (typically up to 100 shekels) and provides an essential service of central registration that helps prove the power of attorney anywhere in Israel.

Important Tip: Do not skimp on legal preparation of a durable power of attorney. An experienced attorney will ensure that the document is valid, legally protected, and available when you need it. This is an investment in your well-being and your family's peace of mind for years to come.

There are additional legal tools that may be relevant to family planning. Let us examine how a durable power of attorney compares to alternatives:

As can be seen, a durable power of attorney is a unique tool focused on future planning. It does not replace a will (which addresses your estate), but rather complements it. A will deals with what happens to your property after you die; a durable power of attorney deals with what happens if you lose decision-making capacity during your lifetime.

Therefore, comprehensive family planning typically includes both: a will and a durable power of attorney, to ensure that your assets and life are protected in every scenario.