Why you need Power of Attorney Documents

A Power of Attorney is a crucial legal document that grants legal authority to a designated individual, known as the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact,” to act on your behalf when you are unable to do so yourself. This document plays a vital role in ensuring your financial and medical decisions are carried out according to your wishes, even if you are incapacitated due to illness, injury, or other circumstances.

Types of Power of Attorney

• Durable Power of Attorney: This document grants your agent authority to handle your financial affairs, including managing your property, paying bills, and making investment decisions. It remains in effect even if you become incapacitated.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: This document empowers your agent to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate your wishes. This includes consenting to medical treatment, choosing a doctor, and making decisions about your end-of-life care.

Benefits of Having a Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney offers several important benefits, including:

• Provides peace of mind: Knowing your affairs are in order and someone you trust can act on your behalf can bring significant comfort and peace of mind.
• Protects your assets: A Power of Attorney ensures your financial decisions are made in your best interests even if you are unable to manage them yourself.
• Guarantees medical wishes are respected: A Healthcare Power of Attorney ensures your medical decisions are followed, even if you are unable to communicate your wishes directly.
• Reduces stress on your loved ones: Having a Power of Attorney relieves your family and friends from the burden of making difficult decisions on your behalf, especially during challenging times.

Why Forever Estate Plan’s POA Services Work For You

In addition to the general benefits of a Power of Attorney, Forever Estate Plan provides the following extras:

• Free annual updates: You can review and modify your Power of Attorney documents once a year at no additional cost, ensuring they reflect your current wishes and circumstances.
• Guidance from experienced attorneys: Our team of legal professionals will answer your questions and help you create a Power of Attorney tailored to your specific needs.
• Security and confidentiality: We take data security and client confidentiality seriously. Your documents are stored securely, and our data management protocols comply with the highest industry standards.

Durable Power of Attorney vs. Health Care Power of Attorney:

Having both a Durable and Healthcare Power of Attorney ensures comprehensive protection for your personal and financial affairs.

Durable POA

This document ensures your financial well-being is protected even if you are unable to manage your own finances. Your agent can handle tasks such as:

• Paying bills
• Managing bank accounts
• Selling property
• Investing assets
• Filing taxes

Health Care POA

This document ensures your medical wishes are respected when you are unable to communicate them yourself. Your agent can make decisions such as:

• Consenting to medical treatment
• Choosing a doctor or healthcare provider
• Deciding whether to continue or withhold life-sustaining treatment

Choosing the Right Agent for Your Power of Attorney

Selecting the right agent is crucial to ensure your wishes are effectively carried out. Consider the following qualities when choosing your agent:

• Trustworthy and reliable: Choose someone you trust implicitly to act in your best interests.
• Understands your values and wishes: Select someone who shares your values and understands your wishes regarding financial and medical care.
• Capable and organized: Choose someone who is organized and capable of handling your financial and medical affairs effectively.
• Able to handle difficult decisions: Your agent may need to make difficult decisions in your best interest. Choose someone you feel comfortable trusting with these decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What happens if I don’t have a Power of Attorney?

If you do not have a Power of Attorney, the court will appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf. This person may not be familiar with your wishes or values, which could lead to decisions that are not in your best interests.

Can I have more than one agent?

Yes, you can have more than one agent for your Power of Attorney. This can be helpful if you have concerns about one person being able to handle all of your affairs. You can designate different agents for financial and medical decisions.

Can I revoke my Power of Attorney?

Yes, you can revoke your Power of Attorney at any time as long as you are mentally competent. You can do this by writing a formal revocation document or simply destroying the original Power of Attorney document.

What happens if my agent becomes incapacitated?

If your agent becomes incapacitated, you will need to choose a new agent. With our Forever Estate Plan, you can easily make changes like these when the need arises.

Get Started with Forever Estate Plan Today

Taking control of your future and ensuring your wishes are honored is simple with a Forever Estate Plan. Here’s how to get started:

Schedule a Consultation

• Contact us to schedule your initial consultation. There is a $100 fully-refundable deposit. If you decide not to move forward, the $100 is refunded. No questions asked.
• During your consultation, our experienced attorneys will discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have.
• We will review your current estate planning documents (if any) and assess your situation.

Tailor Your Plan

• Our legal team will work closely with you to create a customized Power of Attorney that reflects your specific wishes and circumstances.
• We will explain all the legal options available and guide you through the decision-making process.
• You will have the opportunity to ask questions and make sure you are comfortable with every aspect of your Power of Attorney.

Sign and Store Your Documents

• Once you are satisfied with your Power of Attorney documents, you will need to sign them in the presence of a notary public.
• We will handle the safe and secure storage of your original documents.
• You will receive electronic copies of your documents for your reference.

Enjoy Peace of Mind

• With your Power of Attorney in place, you can rest assured that your wishes will be followed, and your loved ones are protected.
• Our annual free updates ensure that your Power of Attorney remains current and reflects any changes in your life or the law.
• You will have access to our legal team for ongoing support and guidance.

Investing in a Forever Estate Plan is an investment in your future, and it also makes a great gift for an adult child or another close loved one who needs to set up a plan. Contact us today to learn more and to get started.