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 is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone else to act on your behalf for certain matters. This appointed person is known as your agent or attorney-in-fact. The requirements for creating a valid power of attorney can vary from state to state, so it’s important to understand the laws in your particular state.
There are different types of powers of attorney that can be used for various purposes. A general power of attorney allows your agent to handle a broad range of matters such as financial transactions, real estate dealings, and legal proceedings. A special or limited power of attorney restricts the agent’s authority to specific matters outlined in the document, such as managing a single bank account.
One key term is “durable” power of attorney. A durable power of attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for yourself. A non-durable power of attorney ends if you lose mental capacity. Most powers of attorney are durable to allow your agent to continue acting for you if needed.
Powers of attorney can cover different areas depending on your needs. A financial power of attorney allows your agent to handle financial matters like banking, paying bills, managing investments, filing taxes, and selling property. A healthcare power of attorney, also called a medical power of attorney, advance directive, or healthcare proxy, allows your agent to make medical decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself.
Some powers of attorney can be drafted to take effect immediately, while others can be written to “spring” into effect at a later date or upon the occurrence of a specific event, such as your incapacitation. This type is known as a springing power of attorney.
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.