Kennewick Power of Attorney
Making the decision to create an estate plan is never an easy one. However, the peace of mind that comes with a comprehensive estate plan is priceless. When many people think of creating an estate plan, they often think of legal documents such as wills and trusts. These tools are certainly an important part of any estate plan, but creating a power of attorney is sometimes necessary, too. Below, our Kennewick power of attorney team explains the different types available, and when they are most appropriate.
Understanding Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney gives someone else the legal authority to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf in the event that you become incapacitated and cannot make these decisions for yourself. You can choose a registered domestic partner, a spouse, a friend, an adult child, or a beneficiary of your will to serve as your personal agent through a power of attorney. As long as you still have mental capacity, you can revoke the power of attorney at any time, typically by informing your agent through written notice.
Different Types of Power of Attorney
The most common types of power of attorney are as follows:
- Durable power of attorney: A durable power of attorney is a legal document that gives one person, known as the agent, the authority to make decisions for another person. Durable powers of attorney are usually required because a person is unwilling or unable to make decisions for themselves. If you wish to create this time of power of attorney, it is important to clearly state that it is durable, so questions do not arise surrounding its enforceability.
- General power of attorney: While some powers of attorney are limited to specific decisions, such as medical and financial matters, a general power of attorney can designate another person to make decisions on any matter that is needed, including legal issues.
- Financial power of attorney: A financial power of attorney is a very powerful tool, as it provides your agent with the legal authority to make decisions for you on your behalf. It is important to stipulate how the power of attorney will act on your behalf. You can give them the authority to handle specific tasks, such as managing property, or you can give them authority to make any financial decisions that arise.
- Medical power of attorney: A medical power of attorney, also known as a living will, is a legal document that appoints another person to make healthcare decisions for you on your behalf if you become unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to make decisions for yourself.
Our Power of Attorney Law Firm in Kennewick Can Advise On Your Case
Powers of attorney are important estate planning tools, but it is not always easy to know which type is right for you. At Moulton Law Offices, P.S., our Kennewick power of attorney lawyer can review the facts of your case and provide sound legal advice so you can make the best informed decisions possible. Call us now at 1-509-328-2159, #9090 or fill out our online form to book an appointment and to obtain more information.
