Power of Attorney services are included in our Revocable Living Trust Package as well as our Will Package for one main reason; it’s crucial to have legal documentation regarding who will represent or act on your behalf in the case of an emergency. You might have a will and a trust, but without proper power of attorney paperwork who will speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself?
What is a Power of Attorney?
“A power of attorney is a written authorization to represent or act on another’s behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter.” You give your most trusted family member or friend the ultimate authority to speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself. Depending on the type of power of attorney paperwork you set up, this person will have ultimate rights to decide on medical affairs, write checks fro your personal accounts, pay bills, make family decisions, and much more.
Durable Power of Attorney
If you become ‘incapacitated’ because of physical injury or mental illness, this type of power of attorney becomes effective. The moment that you pass, this type of power of attorney becomes ineffective.
Health Care Power of Attorney
This type of power of attorney gives authority to an individual over end of live care, including terminating care, ending life support, the power to consent, to refuse or to withdraw consent of any type of medical care.
If I’m Married, Do I Still Need One?
It is in your best interests to get a health care power of attorney even if you are married to be absolutely sure that your partner will have all legal rights to make medical decisions for you. The general rule is that you need to assume that you don’t have power of attorney over your spouse, and the legal documents need to be drawn up.
When Should I Get A Power of Attorney?
Yesterday. Power of attorney paperwork is one of those things that you should have done immediately. There are too many what ifs in life to take a chance with your medical care, especially these days.
How Do I Get A Power of Attorney?
Talk to us immediately. If you have questions about what a power of attorney is, or why you need one, or how you can assure that your wife or husband has these rights, give me a call directly at 480.266.4025.