Written by Benjamin Kingsley
Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.
Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants an individual, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, the authority to act on behalf of another person, referred to as the principal. The specific rights conferred by a power of attorney depend on the type of POA and the powers explicitly granted within the document. However, there are several common rights that a power of attorney typically provides:
Financial decisions: A financial power of attorney allows the agent to manage the principal’s financial affairs. This may include paying bills, managing bank accounts, investing assets, and handling real estate transactions. The agent has the right to access financial information and make decisions that align with the principal’s best interests.
Healthcare decisions: A healthcare power of attorney, also known as a medical power of attorney, grants the agent the right to make medical decisions on behalf of the principal if they become incapacitated. This includes consenting to or refusing medical treatments, choosing healthcare providers, and accessing medical records.
Legal representation: In some cases, a power of attorney may grant the agent the right to represent the principal in legal matters. This could involve signing legal documents, engaging in negotiations, or even appearing in court on behalf of the principal.
Property management: An agent with a power of attorney may have the right to manage the principal’s property, including buying, selling, or leasing real estate, as well as maintaining and repairing property.
It is important to note that the rights granted by a power of attorney are not absolute. The agent has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the principal and must adhere to the specific powers outlined in the POA document. Additionally, the principal can revoke or modify the power of attorney at any time, provided they are mentally competent to do so.
Do you have questions about or need assistance with a power of attorney? Please click here to email us at contact@legalandme.com.
Do you need a power of attorney form? We make a do-it-yourself power of attorney: finance power of attorney or healthcare power of attorney.