Power of Attorney Explained: ”Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones”

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you give someone you trust (called your "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") the authority to act on your behalf. It’s a way to ensure your personal, financial, or medical matters are handled if you can’t manage them yourself due to illness, travel, or other reasons.

What Rights Does It Grant?

The rights you give your agent depend on the type of POA you create. Here’s a breakdown:

1. General Power of Attorney:
   This grants broad authority to your agent, allowing them to manage your finances, pay bills, buy or sell property, and handle other legal or business matters.

2. Medical Power of Attorney:
   This allows your agent to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re unable to do so. For example, they might decide on treatments or coordinate with doctors based on your wishes.

3. Limited (or Specific) Power of Attorney:
   This is for a specific task or period, such as selling a house while you’re out of the country. Once the task is done, the POA ends.

4. Durable Power of Attorney:
   This type remains in effect even if you become mentally or physically incapacitated. It ensures your agent can continue to act on your behalf when you’re unable to make decisions.

5. Springing Power of Attorney:
   This only goes into effect if a specific condition is met, like if you become incapacitated.

Your Rights

• Control: You decide what powers to give your agent and can limit their authority to specific areas.

• Revocation: You can cancel or change the POA at any time as long as you’re mentally capable.

• Oversight: Your agent is legally required to act in your best interest and follow your instructions.

Why is a Power of Attorney Important?

A POA ensures someone you trust can step in when needed, avoiding delays or complications in managing your affairs. It gives you peace of mind knowing your wishes will be respected, even in challenging circumstances.

If you’re ready to create a Power of Attorney or have questions about how it works, we are here to help guide you through the process.