Who can witness a Victorian Enduring Power of Attorney?

In order to make a legally valid Enduring Power of Attorney under the laws of Victoria, Australia (Power of Attorney Act 2104 Victoria), you must:

1. sign and initial the document in front of two witnesses, and
2. each witness must also sign the document.

Here's how it works:

1. the first witness does not require any special qualifications, but must be over 18 and independent (not someone appointed as your attorney or a relative of your attorney).

2. The second witness must be either a medical practitioner (for example your local doctor) or a person who is authorised to witness the signing of an affidavit.

You can find a list of these qualified witnesses at the Supreme Court of Victoria website and at the Victorian State Government's department of Justice and Community Safety.

The most accessible people who may witness a power of attorney in Victoria are likely to be one of the following:

• a lawyer. Get a referral from the Law Institute of Victoria.
• a notary public, which you can find at the Society of Notaries of Victoria.
• a registrar of a Victorian Court. See a list at Court Services Victoria.
• a police officer of or above the rank of sergeant or for the time being in charge of a police station. Visit the local Police Victoria station.