Avon Power Of Attorney Lawyers

Helping Families With Important Legal Decisions

Perhaps you have heard of a power of attorney before. You usually hear about them when you’re in a hospital, but what exactly do they do? What is their purpose, and how can they help you and your family members?

You also hear about them when planning your estate, creating an advance directive, creating wills and trusts, and distributing your estate and assets after you pass away.

A power of attorney (POA) is an invaluable legal document you and your family can use to help you when you are in a position where you are unable to help yourself or when you simply would like another person to act on your behalf. Find out what goes into picking a POA you can trust, the decisions they can make, and how you have control over the entire situation when you are working with an estate planning attorney, and start preparing today!

What is a Power of Attorney?

When planning out what happens to your estate after you pass, you may be prompted to pick a power of attorney. Power of attorney actually refers to a legal document where you choose a person, often referred to as an agent or attorney in fact, who can make decisions and act on your behalf. You are able to outline when this power takes effect, for how long, and the kinds of important decisions they are able to make.

Your power of attorney should represent you when you are unable to do so. This can be because you are incapacitated or ill. When you decide who will act as your agent, it is important to pick someone you trust who aligns with your values and will represent you in a manner that honors you.

What Are the Different Kinds of Power of Attorney?

There are a few different kinds of POA, and their purpose varies depending on your unique situation and purposes.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney is active immediately after you sign it unless you state otherwise in the document. This allows your agent to continue acting on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Should you suffer a head injury and fall into a coma, your agent will be able to make important decisions for you. This POA ends automatically when you pass away, and you can rescind it at any time as long as you are competent.

Medical Power of Attorney

A medical POA allows you to name a healthcare agent who will make medical decisions when you are unable to do so yourself. Your agent will ensure that your advance directives are followed by your family members and healthcare providers.

A medical POA becomes effective immediately after signing it but can only be used when you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself.

General Power of Attorney

A general POA gives your agent the broad authority to make financial, business, real estate, and legal decisions that would normally be your responsibility. Your agent can manage bank transactions, buy and sell property, pay bills, and enter contracts, all on your behalf.

This agreement takes effect immediately and will expire upon your incapacitation unless it is durable. You can choose to make a person your agent for a limited amount of time, such as when you are mentally or physically unable to do so.

Limited Power of Attorney

A limited POA allows an agent to act for you but only under specific circumstances that you outline in your document. You can designate an agent to make business decisions for you, but they are unable to make other financial decisions. You can arrange for this document to expire as soon as a specific task has been completed, as outlined in the form.

Do You Need a Power of Attorney Lawyer?

Because of the complex nature and the power your power of attorney will have over your life and decision-making ability, you should work with an experienced estate planning attorney who will be able to walk you through the POA process.

Your agent will have a broad range of power, and the ability to make important decisions that only you would normally make can be a scary idea.

Call 440-530-9166 to schedule a free consultation with Hallett Legal Group, LLC. Our team treats our clients like the individuals they are and will create a POA document that is in your best interests with you and your family!