Why You Need a Power of Attorney

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Having a power of attorney on hand might be very helpful. The inability to sign your name legally could have dire financial ramifications if, for example, you suddenly suffered a stroke with no warning signs beforehand. One way to safeguard yourself against such a situation is to have a power of attorney.

As a result, a power of attorney document is essential for most people. You’re free to name more than one and indicate whether each must work together or operate independently. Your children might be named “attorneys-in-fact,” stipulating that they both need to sign off on any actions taken in your name.

Anyone you want to nominate must be someone with complete confidence. Usually, this is a younger and closer family member. You may delegate various responsibilities to various individuals if you so choose. For instance, you could give your spouse the power to decide where you live and your son the responsibility of handling your finances.

While you still have control over your faculties, you should refrain from granting a family member authority over your possessions. Many states recognize springing powers of attorney to address these issues. The granting of these rights is conditional on other circumstances, such as a medically-verified incapacity or placement in a nursing facility.

What if springing powers aren’t legal in your state? A durable power of attorney plus a letter detailing when the power will take effect can have the same effect. The attorney can hold both forms of identification until you are needed.

Types of Power of Attorney

Financial and healthcare power of attorney documents are the two most common. The difference between both is extensively discussed below.

Financial Power of Attorney

Suppose you need help understanding or making decisions regarding your business and financial affairs. In that case, the individual you assign can handle matters such as signing checks, submitting tax returns, mailing and depositing Social Security checks, and maintaining investment accounts. To the degree that the agreement specifies the power of attorney obligation, the agent must carry out your intentions to the best of their ability. A financial power of authority grants the designee broad authority over your financial affairs, including managing the account’s funds, writing cheques on your behalf, and changing the account’s beneficiary designations.

Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA)

Suppose you wish to delegate a decision-making attorney over medical treatment to another person. In that case, the assigned individual can execute a healthcare power of attorney (HCPOA). This document is a healthcare proxy and details your agreement to grant the personal power of attorney for medical purposes.

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Bio:
M. Dutton and Associates is a full-service financial firm. We have been in business for over 30 years serving our community. Through comprehensive objective driven planning, we provide you with the research, analysis, and available options needed to guide you in implementing a sound plan for your retirement. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Visit us at MarvinDutton.com . Tel. 212-951-7376: email: [email protected]