Protective measures:
- Enduring Power of Attorney (Vorsorgevollmacht): the unilateral mandate;
- Chosen Representation (Gewählte Erwachsenenvertretung): An agreement-based representation;
- Statutory Representation (Gesetzliche Erwachsenenvertretung): Default representation by close relatives if no other measures exist:
- Court-Appointed Representation (Gerichtliche Erwachsenenvertretung):the judicial protection, if no other protective measure is sufficient.
Legal Framework: Austrian Civil Code (ABGB), §§ 239-284
Competent authorities:
- Courts: Oversee all protective measures, especially judicial representation:
- Notaries and lawyers – Handle the drafting and registration of powers of attorney and representation agreements.
Access requirements:
- Enduring Power of Attorney: Requires full decision-making capacity at the time of granting;
- Chosen Representation): Requires at least a reduced decision-making capacity (understanding of basic consequences);
- Statutory Representation): Applies if no agreement exists and the adult lacks full capacity;
- Court Representation): Used only if no other measure is sufficient and the adult is unable to protect their interests
Procedure:
Private Measures (Vorsorgevollmacht & Gewählte Erwachsenenvertretung):
- Drafted with a notary, lawyer, or Adult Protection Association.
- Must be registered in the Österreichisches Zentrales Vertretungsverzeichnis (national registry).
- Takes effect when the adult loses capacity.
Statutory Representation (Gesetzliche Erwachsenenvertretung):
- A relative assumes representation.
- Must be registered and can last up to 3 years unless renewed.
Court-Appointed Representation (Gerichtliche Erwachsenenvertretung):
- Initiation: The court can start the process either at the request of the adult, their relatives, or ex officio if the adult cannot protect their interests and no other representation is in place.
- Assessment: The court investigates the adult’s decision-making capacity and whether representation is necessary, often consulting experts.
- Selection of Representative: The court appoints a suitable representative, prioritizing the adult’s preferences, family, or trusted individuals, or an Adult Protection Association.
- Registration and Oversight: The decision is registered, and the representative must report to the court and act in the adult’s best interest.
- Termination: The representation lasts for 3 years and can be renewed or terminated if the adult regains capacity or the representative is unfit.