A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to designate a trusted person to manage your affairs should you become unable to do so. In Israel this document is officially registered with the Attorney General's Office and activates only upon certified loss of capacity. (Shoshi Arbib Law Office.)
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to designate a trusted person to manage your affairs should you become unable to do so. In Israel this document is officially registered with the Attorney General's Office and activates only upon certified loss of capacity.
What the LPA Covers
- Personal and medical decisions
- Financial and property matters
- Advance medical directives
LPA vs. Guardianship — Key Differences
| Factor | Lasting Power of Attorney | Court Guardianship |
|---|---|---|
| Who initiates | The person themselves, voluntarily | Family or state, after capacity is lost |
| When prepared | While mentally competent | Only after loss of capacity |
| Process | Notarial certification + registration | Court petition, hearings, medical reports |
| Time | Weeks | Months to over a year |
| Cost | Significantly lower | Tens of thousands of shekels |
| Who decides | The person chooses their representative | Court appoints a guardian |
An LPA prepared in advance avoids the need for court guardianship entirely. We guide you through every step — from drafting to official registration — ensuring your wishes are legally binding.
How to Register a Lasting Power of Attorney in Israel
- Consult a certified attorney — Discuss the scope of the LPA, choose the authorised person(s), and decide which domains (personal, financial, medical) the LPA will cover.
- Draft the document — The attorney drafts the LPA specifying each domain, any limitations, and optionally a supervisor to oversee the authorised person.
- Certification of capacity — An authorised professional (attorney, notary, physician, or clinical social worker) certifies in writing that the grantor is mentally competent at the time of signing.
- Register with the Guardian General's Office — The completed LPA is deposited with the Ministry of Justice Guardian General unit. Registration is confidential and does not affect the LPA's validity.
- Activation — The LPA takes effect only when the authorised professional certifies that the grantor has lost capacity. Until then it is dormant.
Who Can Be the Authorised Person?
The authorised person (attorney-in-fact) can be any competent adult the grantor trusts — typically a spouse, adult child, or close friend. Multiple authorised persons can be appointed for different domains. The grantor may also designate a supervisor to oversee the authorised person's actions. The LPA can specify exactly which decisions the authorised person may make and any limitations that apply.
What is the difference between a Lasting Power of Attorney and guardianship in Israel?
An LPA is prepared voluntarily while the person is still competent, allowing them to designate who will make decisions if they lose capacity. Guardianship is a court process initiated after capacity is lost — taking months and costing tens of thousands of shekels. An LPA prevents the need for guardianship entirely.
Is a Lasting Power of Attorney still valid after the person loses mental capacity in Israel?
Yes — this is its key distinction from a regular power of attorney. An LPA comes into effect after a licensed physician, attorney, or clinical social worker certifies that the grantor has lost capacity. Under Amendment 18 to the Israeli Legal Capacity Law, the LPA must be witnessed, certified, and filed with the Guardian General.
Official References: Israel Ministry of Justice — Lasting POA · Israel Ministry of Justice · National Insurance Institute of Israel · Israeli Courts Administration · Israel Land Authority
Shoshi Arbib Law Office — Attorney | CPA | Mediator, Netanya, Israel.
