Power of Attorney Lawyer: What is a Power of Attorney, How Can They Be Used, and How to Choose the Best Person for Your Needs
A power of attorney grants someone the authority to act on your behalf with respect to financial, medical, or legal matters. However, its scope has transformed over time, especially with the introduction of new regulations like HIPAA. As a result, it’s imperative to seek the guidance of a Power of Attorney lawyer who can prepare a legally binding document based upon your specific needs.
What Types of Powers of Attorney Exist?
- Medical Power of Attorney. Entrusts a chosen individual with the ability to make crucial medical decisions if you become incapacitated. This is especially pivotal for interactions with hospitals and medical providers.
- Financial Power of Attorney. Facilitates financial responsibilities such as bill payments, managing, and even selling real estate on an individual’s behalf.
- Special Powers of Attorney. With the evolving legal landscape, specialized powers of attorney, like those for real estate transactions, are becoming more prevalent. These cater to specific needs, offering tailored solutions. As an example, if you are selling your house and unable to attend the closing, you might have a Special Power of Attorney prepared to allow another person to execute the closing documents on your behalf.
Choosing the Right Representative
For Medical and Financial Powers of Attorney, selecting the ideal person is paramount. It’s essential to:
- Align with someone who mirrors your beliefs, be it religious, financial, or medical.
- Avoid individuals with personal challenges, like addiction issues, which might impair their judgment.
- Rethink default choices, like the eldest child, ensuring the selected person genuinely serves your best interests.
- For medical decisions, consider someone familiar with the healthcare system, like a nurse or doctor, to navigate the intricacies.
- Financially, opt for someone with sound investment knowledge and a proven track record of financial responsibility.
Learn How We Can Help Prepare a Power of Attorney for You
If you are in need of a Power of Attorney lawyer, we invite you to call us.
