A durable power of attorney is a legal document that grants another person (referred to as an "attorney-in-fact" or "legal representative") the authority to act on your behalf in legal and financial matters, even when you are unable or unwilling to act for yourself. Unlike a regular power of attorney which expires when you lose your mental capacity, a durable power of attorney remains in effect even after you are unable to make decisions on your own — and this is its central value.

Following recent legislative changes, greater emphasis has been placed on advance planning and the preparation of legal documents concerning your future. A durable power of attorney is considered one of the most important tools in estate planning and strengthening family financial security.

Why Is This Important for You Now?

Life is unpredictable. An accident, illness, or advanced age can change your ability to make decisions. Have you chosen who you would want to act on your behalf in financial, medical, and personal matters? A durable power of attorney ensures that the choice is yours, not that of a court or family members who may not always agree.

The law office of Attorney David Wasserman in Modi'in understands that every family has unique needs. We guide you through the process from initial consultation through the final filing of the document, while providing a detailed explanation of each step.

The Process in Brief

• Step 1 — Initial Assessment: We listen to your needs, request information about your health and financial situation, and explain the legal options available to you.
• Step 2 — Drafting and Customization: We prepare a durable power of attorney document tailored precisely to your needs, while complying with all legal requirements and procedures.
• Step 3 — Signature and Witness: The document is signed before witnesses (as required by law) and under the supervision of an attorney, ensuring its legal validity.
• Step 4 — Filing: The document is filed with the Public Guardian or in your possession, according to your choice.

Many people confuse two types of powers of attorney. The difference is critical, and accuracy on this matter can save you from making incorrect legal decisions.

Ordinary Power of Attorney

An ordinary power of attorney is a document that grants a legal representative authority to act on your behalf in specific matters. However, the moment you lose capacity to make decisions (for example, due to dementia or an accident affecting your consciousness), this power of attorney becomes void and is no longer valid. This could lead to a situation where you have no legal representative, and a court will need to appoint a guardian at high cost and without your choice.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney, by contrast, remains valid even after you lose capacity to make decisions. This is the meaning of the word "durable." It means that if you chose a trustworthy person to represent you, he or she will be able to continue acting on your behalf, even when you cannot communicate or decide for yourself.

Advantages of Durable Power of Attorney

• Self-determination: You choose your representative, not a court or family members.
• Cost savings: Avoiding expensive guardianship proceedings in court.
• Privacy: The document does not require public court approval.
• Flexibility: You can grant partial or full powers, as you choose.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your future is in safe hands, even if something happens to you.

Risks and Precautions

Although a durable power of attorney is an essential tool, it also carries risks if not executed properly. An untrustworthy legal representative could misuse his or her authority. This is why it is extremely important to choose a representative you fully trust, and to be very clear about the limits of their authority. David Wasserman Law Office specializes in preparing documents that protect you from misuse while maintaining flexibility and oversight.

A common question every client asks is: "How much does a lasting power of attorney cost?" The answer depends on several factors, but we are committed to complete transparency regarding costs.

Factors Affecting the Price

• Document Complexity: A simple power of attorney for a single agent will cost less than a power of attorney with extended powers and special conditions.
• Number of Agents: If you choose multiple agents (for example, two family members), the price may be higher.
• Type of Powers: Financial powers alone will cost less than powers that include medical decisions and asset management.
• Registration with the Public Trustee: If you choose to register your document, there will be an additional cost for this procedure.

Typical Cost Ranges (2026)

Based on current market conditions, the following ranges can be estimated for drafting a lasting power of attorney:

Why an Experienced Attorney Is Worth the Investment

These costs may seem high compared to cheap online services, but there is a significant difference between a document drafted by an experienced attorney and a "do-it-yourself" document or one created through a generic online platform. An experienced attorney:

• Ensures the document complies with all legal requirements.
• Protects you from legal gaps that could render the document invalid.
• Customizes the document to your specific needs, not generic requirements.
• Guides you through every step, including signing and registration.
• Remains available for questions and future updates.

The Law Offices of David Wasserman in Modiin offers competitive pricing while maintaining complete legal quality and rigor.

Many ask: "How do I execute a durable power of attorney?" This process is straightforward yet requires attention to detail. We guide you through every step.

Step 1 — Initial Assessment

At your first meeting with our office, we listen to your needs. We ask about your health status, your family, your assets, and who you want to act on your behalf. This is an important time to understand your options and decide whether a durable power of attorney is the right tool for you.

Step 2 — Document Drafting

Following the initial assessment, we draft a document tailored to your needs. The document will include:

• Your name, ID number, and contact details.
• Name and details of your attorney-in-fact (or attorneys-in-fact).
• A precise description of the powers you are granting (financial, medical, etc.).
• Any conditions or limitations on the powers (if applicable).
• Signatures and legal seals.

Step 3 — Review and Approval

You review the document yourself and ensure it is accurate. We explain each clause and address your questions. If changes are needed, we update the document until you are completely satisfied.

Step 4 — Signing Before Witnesses

The document is signed before at least two witnesses (in accordance with legal requirements). These witnesses must be of sound mind, not family members, and have no interest in the document. Typically, we arrange witnesses or allow you to bring your own. We also serve as witnesses to the signature.

Step 5 — Deposit (If You Choose)

After signing, you may deposit the document with the Public Guardian. This ensures the document is registered with government records, making it easier to exercise in the future. Our office handles this process on your behalf.

Step 6 — Storage and Access

The original document is kept with you or with an attorney for safekeeping. We also keep a copy in our files for future use. When needed (for example, if you cannot act yourself), your attorney-in-fact will be able to use it immediately.

Online Deposit — The New Option

Recently, there is an option to deposit a durable power of attorney online through the Public Guardian's portal. This simplifies the process and reduces trips to government offices. We assist you with this process, if you choose to use it.

The Public Guardian is a government authority in Israel responsible for managing legal and financial matters of individuals who cannot manage them independently. It plays a vital role in protecting the rights of vulnerable or incapacitated persons.

The Connection Between Continuing Power of Attorney and the Public Guardian

When you prefer not to deposit your continuing power of attorney with the Public Guardian, the document remains in your possession or with a lawyer. However, if you do not have a continuing power of attorney and something happens to you (for example, an accident or illness affecting your mental capacity), a court may appoint a guardian at significant cost and without your choice. This is when the Public Guardian comes into the picture.

Advantages of Depositing with the Public Guardian

• Official Registration: The document is registered with government authorities, making it easier to execute.
• Legal Protection: Oversight of your agent and periodic reporting to the Public Guardian.
• Avoidance of Court Proceedings: If something happens to you, no court proceedings are needed to appoint a guardian.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your document is valid and registered.

Disadvantages of Depositing (Considerations)

On the other hand, depositing with the Public Guardian entails additional costs and less privacy protection. Additionally, your agent will need to report their actions to the Public Guardian. Therefore, many choose to keep the document in their possession or with a lawyer, which provides greater flexibility.

Personal Choice

The law office of David Wasser explains both options in detail and leaves the choice to you based on your needs. If you choose to deposit, we handle the entire process on your behalf.