Cancelling or Changing a Continuing Power of Attorney

Cancelling or changing a continuing power of attorney depends on whether the document has already entered into force and on whether it contains a binding clause. A person who has signed a continuing power of attorney may change over time, and so do their family and circumstances. This page explains how to cancel a continuing power of attorney, what can be updated, and when a new document is needed.

Cancelling a Continuing Power of Attorney

According to the information published on the Kol Zchut website, a continuing power of attorney can be cancelled by notice to the attorney, even after it has entered into force, unless it contains a binding clause. A binding clause is a clause that limits the ability to cancel or change the document. Where such a clause exists, cancelling after the document has entered into force requires court approval. It is also advisable to give notice to the Office of the Public Guardian so that its record is updated.

What Can Be Updated After Deposit

According to the Public Guardian’s information, once the document has been deposited only certain details can be updated:

• Advance directives
• The way the document enters into force
• The notified person
• Binding clauses

Any such update is made before an authorized lawyer and forwarded to the Public Guardian.

Replacing an Attorney or Adding One

An attorney cannot be added or replaced within the same document. To do so, a new continuing power of attorney is drawn up. It is worth checking in advance how the new document relates to the previous one, and making sure the old document was cancelled properly.

When a Power of Attorney Ends

• The death of the appointer or of the attorney, where no alternate attorney was named
• Appointment of a guardian who replaces the power of attorney, by court decision
• A court decision cancelling it, for example when the attorney is not acting properly

This list is general. In every case it is worth examining the circumstances before drawing conclusions.

Practical Steps If You Want to Cancel or Change

1. Check whether the document has already entered into force and whether it contains a binding clause.
2. Decide whether this is an update, a cancellation or a replacement.
3. Prepare a written notice to the attorney and deliver it in a way that can be proven.
4. Notify the Public Guardian.
5. If you want a different attorney, draw up a new document.

Cancelling or Changing a Continuing Power of Attorney: Points to Remember

Cancelling or changing a continuing power of attorney should be done in the right order: check the document, decide whether to update, cancel or replace it, notify the attorney in a provable way and notify the Public Guardian. For official information see the Public Guardian page on gov.il (in Hebrew).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Continuing Power of Attorney Be Cancelled After It Has Entered Into Force?

According to the information published on the Kol Zchut website, it can be cancelled even after it has entered into force, by notice to the attorney, unless a binding clause was set in the power of attorney. In the case of a binding clause, court approval is required. It is advisable to consult a lawyer before taking any action.

Must the Public Guardian Be Told About a Cancellation?

Yes. Alongside the notice to the attorney, it is recommended and required to notify the Public Guardian of the cancellation so that the record is updated. The current procedure on the Public Guardian’s website should be checked.

What Can Be Changed After Deposit?

According to the Public Guardian’s information, after deposit it is possible to update directives, the way the document enters into force, the notified person and binding clauses. An attorney cannot be added or replaced within the same document.

How Is an Attorney Replaced?

By a new document. A new power of attorney is drawn up before an authorized lawyer and deposited with the Public Guardian, and the old one is cancelled at the same time.

When Does a Continuing Power of Attorney Expire?

Among other things, upon the death of the appointer or of the attorney, if a guardian is appointed for the appointer who replaces the power of attorney, or if a court has decided to cancel it. The case must be examined on its merits.

For an Initial Consultation

You can book an initial consultation to review the existing document and decide how to proceed. See also continuing power of attorney and the difference between a continuing power of attorney and guardianship.

Sources and Official Information

The information on this page is general and is not legal advice for your matter. For official information see: Cancelling a continuing power of attorney on Kol Zchut (in Hebrew), the Public Guardian on gov.il.

How I Work

My office is in Tel Aviv. We can meet at the office or online, and continue by phone and WhatsApp. For details on the process and on my authorization, see the service page continuing power of attorney.

Written by Adv. Emanuel Trach, lawyer and notary, authorized by the Public Guardian to prepare continuing powers of attorney (authorization dated 5.11.2020). Published: 6.11.2026. Updated: 6.11.2026.

Cancelling or Changing a Continuing Power of Attorney: What to Keep in Mind

Anyone considering cancelling or changing a continuing power of attorney should gather the existing documents, think about who they trust to act, and talk it through with the family before signing anything. Each case turns on its own facts, so general information is only a starting point, and questions about cancelling or changing a continuing power of attorney are easier to handle early than late.

For the wider picture see our page on continuing power of attorney or guardianship. For general official information see the Public Guardian page on gov.il (in Hebrew). A first conversation with a lawyer about cancelling or changing a continuing power of attorney can help clarify the options and the next steps in your case.