Health and personal care · Scotland
Welfare Power of Attorney
Appoint an attorney to make decisions about your personal welfare, including health care, if you become unable to decide for yourself.
Educational directory only. This page is not legal advice and does not replace the official instructions.
What this resource covers
Appoint an attorney to make decisions about your personal welfare, including health care, if you become unable to decide for yourself.
This document or guide is specific to Scotland. Do not substitute a similarly named form from another state, province, or territory.
Before you sign
Welfare powers only take effect once a doctor or other authorised person confirms you lack capacity to make the relevant decision. The document must state which welfare powers apply.
If capacity is disputed, the appointment is complex, or property crosses jurisdictions, get advice from a qualified lawyer or notary where appropriate.
After it is properly completed
Share the registered document with your welfare attorney and relevant health or social care providers so it is available when a capacity assessment is needed.
You can then record its location and the responsible contacts in BeforeHand. Uploading a file does not make it legally valid or replace delivery, registration, witnessing, or notarization required elsewhere.
Open the official resource
This external page is maintained by Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland). Check its revision date and instructions before relying on a saved copy.
Open Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland) resource →