Power of Attorney
If you are volunteering long-term, you might want to think about giving a trusted friend or
relative power of attorney over your affairs while you are away, in case you are incapacitated
or out of contact. It’s not a step to take lightly, as it gives the person power to do anything
from selling your house or taking out a mortgage in your name to skinning your dog. If you
are thinking of taking such a step the rule is, as ever, seek professional advice first.
Voting
If you’re leaving for a while but still want a say in how your country is run, decide how you’re
going to vote. In the UK, consult the Electoral Commission (www.electoralcommission.org.uk). The
Federal Voting Assistance Program website (www.fvap.gov) has information on absentee vot-
ing for Americans (also see http://www.fec.gov),,) and Canadians should consult Elections Canada
(www.elections.ca). In Australia, the Australian Electoral Commission (www.aec.gov.au) covers
frequently asked voting questions for anyone heading overseas. If you’re from New Zealand,
get the low-down from the Elections New Zealand (www.elections.org.nz).
Technology & Communications
You may want a break from routine, but not necessarily from friends, colleagues and
family. Think well ahead about how to stay in touch while in another country. And don’t
forget to send out change-of-address cards or emails before you go.
While you are away, your local mail authority may be able to forward your mail either
to your address abroad (if you have a fixed one) or to a reliable friend or relative in your
home country who is willing to sift through it for you.
For advice on what to do about staying in phone contact while you’re away, see p73.
useful websites
The following list of websites may help you get organised and on your way sooner:
UK Websites
~ The Career Break Site (www.thecareerbreaksite.co.uk) Everything you ever wanted to know
about putting your life on hold while you are abroad.
~ Carers UK (www.carersuk.org) Information for those who look after elderly relatives.
~ Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (www.dvla.gov.uk) Check with the DVLA when
deciding what to do about your vehicle while you’re away.
~ Education Otherwise (www.education-otherwise.org) A useful site about home schooling if
you decide to do this with your kids.
~ Home Education Advisory Service (www.heas.org.uk) This organisation produces an
informative leaflet on your options for home schooling abroad.
~ Post Office (www.postoffice.co.uk) Contact the PO for details on having your mail re-
directed while you’re away.
North American Websites
~ Canada Post (www.canadapost.ca)
~ Care Pathways (www.carepathways.com) For those who look after elderly relatives, this site
hosts a searchable database of recommended providers of assisted living, continuing
care, independent living and nursing-home care.
~ Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) Kelley’s online Blue Book is full of practical advice
about how to price, sell or trade in your car.
~ Nolo Press (www.nolo.com) Nolo Press publishes superb plain-English self-help legal
books and provides a wealth of free online information on everyday legal topics.
~ United States Postal Service (www.usps.com) Information on how to organise redirecting
your mail.Australasian Websites
~ Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (www.asfa.asn.au) Information on
different types of funds.
~ Australian Furniture Removers Association (www.afra.com.au) AFRA-registered
businesses to take care of your beloved belongings in transit.
~ Australia Post (www.australiapost.com.au) Australia Post will hold or forward your mail for
up to a year at a time.
~ Carers NSW (www.carersnsw.asn.au) For those who look after elderly relatives, Carer
Resource and Carer Respite Centres exist in each Australian state; they are all linked
through this website.
~ Drive (www.drive.com.au) Check this site out before you put up a ‘for sale’ sign on your car.
~ Family Assistance Office (www.familyassist.gov.au) You may lose your Family Tax Benefit if
you leave Australia without notifying the FAO. Check the website for details.
~ Law Council of Australia (www.lawcouncil.asn.au) The Law Council of Australia represents
40,000 legal practitioners across the country (who can provide power of attorney and
other legal advice).
~ National Insurance Brokers Association (www.niba.com.au) Find around 500 brokers
in Australia who specialise in everything from car or house and contents insurance to
travel, life and terrorism insurance.
~ Self Storage Association of Australasia (www.selfstorage.com. au) The SSAA represents 600
storage centres across Australia and New Zealand.
~ Your Mortgage (www.yourmortgage.com.au) The online version of Australia’s Your
Mortgage magazine, with broker listings and all sorts of mortgage advice.04: Tying Up Loose Ends:Power of Attorney