A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants another individual the authority to make decisions on your behalf. It is crucial to select someone you trust for this responsibility. Various types of powers of attorney exist to address different situations.
Limited Power of Attorney
A limited or general power of attorney typically focuses on a specific purpose, such as signing business or real estate documents in your absence. Once the designated task is completed, the authority granted by the limited power of attorney usually expires.
Durable Power of Attorney
Unlike its limited counterpart, a durable power of attorney has a broader scope and longer duration. The grantor, the person creating the agreement, must be of sound mind and at least 18 years old. This type of POA remains in effect until the grantor’s death or until revoked. It empowers the agent to make decisions in various areas, including bill payment, property management, medical choices, housing decisions, and end-of-life decisions. It may become active immediately or activate when the grantor is no longer able to make decisions independently.
Advance Directives
These written instructions pertain to future medical care in situations where you cannot make decisions during a medical emergency. When creating advance directives, it is essential to designate someone, often an adult child, capable of handling critical decisions during emotional times. These directives address end-of-life decisions, such as “do not resuscitate” or decisions against artificial life support.
If you have inquiries about the necessary documents for addressing temporary medical and financial issues or those related to your passing, consulting with a lawyer is advisable. A lawyer can assist in creating a will and the aforementioned documents, either as a comprehensive package or individually, based on your specific needs.
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