As our Ashland estate planning lawyers can explain to you the many benefits of a well executed power of attorney. Creating a power of attorney allows you to select the person you want to take control of and manage your property and affairs in case you become incapacitated in the future. This is one of many reasons a power of attorney is included as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Even if your incapacity is only temporary, a power of attorney can still be very useful. The thing to remember is that designating your power of attorney as “durable” means that it will remain effective after your incapacity, where otherwise it would not.
How a power of attorney basically works
By creating a power of attorney, you have the opportunity to appoint an agent whom you have selected to make decisions on your behalf. That person will have the authority to manage your affairs, as you specify. That means you can grant your agent the type of authority you choose, either limited or broad. A durable power of attorney can be set up to only become effective in the event of incapacity.
Most often, a power of attorney is created to allow someone to control your health care decisions, your financial matters or both. If the power of attorney is limited in nature, then your chosen agent will only have the power to handle the specific matters you identify in the language of the power of attorney document.
Examples of what a power of attorney can do
There are many different goals that can be met with a power of attorney. You can use a durable power of attorney in order to allow a business partner access to business assets for specific business- related reasons. You can also authorize someone to take over management of rental property temporarily, such as when you need to be out of the country for an extended period of time.
One great advantage is selecting your agent now
Some people fail to recognize the real benefit of having the ability to select your own agent. Someone who knows what your wishes are and will execute them with your best interest at heart. What people tend to overlook is the fact that, if you have not chosen someone to be your agent, then a judge will make that choice on your behalf if you become incapacitated. As personal as your financial and health care issues are, it can be a great advantage being able to choose your own agent.
Things to consider when selecting your agent
There are a few things you can consider when you are deciding who you should appoint as your agent with a power of attorney. Some factors to consider are the values and characteristics of your family and friends. That way, you can decide who would be better trusted to handle your personal affairs when the time comes. After you have established your durable power of attorney, your agent can begin making decisions on your behalf as soon as necessary. If you have questions, talk to our Ashland estate planning lawyers.
A power of attorney gives you the chance to explain your wishes ahead of time
Another important advantage is that a power of attorney gives you the opportunity to explain your expectations to your family and friends, and especially your agent, while you still can. This can be a very important advantage for most people and a comfort to your loved ones.
By planning ahead, you can help avoid family disputes
With a power of attorney, you have a greater chance of avoiding confusion and disputes among your family about how your personal matters should be managed. If you carefully draft your power of attorney document, then many of the disputes that would otherwise arise, can be avoided, such as how to handle your financial affairs or make your health care decisions.
No one wants to see their family and friends disagreeing about how to handle their medical treatment or finances if they become incapacitated for some reason. If you already have someone lined up to become your agent you will be more likely to avoid those disputes in the future.
Be sure to discuss your needs with an estate planning attorney
In order to properly create a durable power of attorney, one that will meet your goals, you should seek the assistance of an estate planning attorney. If the right steps are taken, you can protect your assets while establishing the management of your financial and health care matters for the future. By using an estate planning attorney, you can consider including gifting provisions and other devices that can provide beneficial asset protection.
Join us for a free seminar today! If you have questions regarding a power of attorney or any other estate planning matters, please contact the experienced attorneys at The Potter Law Firm for a consultation. You can contact us either online or by calling us at (704) 944-3245 or for individuals in Kentucky at (606) 324-5516 (Ashland, KY) or at (859) 372-6655 (Florence, KY).
John’s practice focuses on the use of Wills and Living Trusts in Estate Planning to help individuals protect their families and preserve their legacies after their deaths, but his practice also focuses on the critical issues of protecting individuals with dementia or other diminished capacity, assisting individuals in qualifying for Medicaid and other government benefits to offset the costs of long-term care, and providing special needs planning.
John is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio, and he is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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