Understanding Financial Powers of Attorney 

The wealth, property, and investments accrued over a lifetime are often significant. Even though you carefully managed your finances through the years, there may eventually come a point when you cannot handle such decisions. To plan for the possibility you are unable to manage your financial affairs, it is important to have everything in order while you are still of sound mind. 

As a starting point, you will want to have a valid and enforceable financial power of attorney in place. It is one of the most important estate planning decisions to make while you are healthy. Assigning the duty to a trusted relative, loved one, friend, or professional can help ensure your financial matters are taken care of and your wishes respected. Financial powers of attorney give the designated agent the power to manage your money in the event you become incapacitated or pass away. Understanding the different types of financial powers of attorney can assist you make an educated decision for yourself as to when and what type of assistance you may need.

Failing to properly designate someone to make your financial decisions prior to your incapacity could lead your loved ones to court to have someone appointed. As an adult, no one is automatically able to act for you, you must legally appoint them through the use of a financial power of attorney and we can assist you in understanding financial powers of attorney to best suit your needs. 

How Much Authority to Give?

A limited power of attorney allows someone else to act in your place for a very limited purpose. For example, you might opt to pursue this option if you need to sign a deed on a day you’re out of town. Arranging for someone to represent you and sign on your behalf is possible through a limited power of attorney. However, this type of document is specically limited power of attorney documents cannot be handled by the person you choose.

A general power of attorney, on the other hand, is a good option for a comprehensive approach. The person you select, also known as your attorney-in-fact, can sign any and all documents on your behalf, whether or not you are incapacitated. They can also pay your bills, conduct financial transactions, and generally manage your property and money. Anyone who could use an extra set of eyes on their finances may find this option useful.

When Should My Attorney-In-Fact Act?

Just as there are different scopes of authority you can give your attorney-in-fact, you can also choose when you want the power of attorney to become effective. A durable power of attorney can be as general or as limited in scope as you would like. This instrument goes into effect the moment you sign it and remains in effect until you pass away, unless you rescind it while you are of sound mind. 

Springing powers of attorney, on the other hand, allow your attorney-in-fact to act on your behalf if and only if you become incapacitated. Criteria outlining what constitutes incapacitation should be properly addressed in the document when creating this type of power of attorney. It is important to note that this type of power of attorney can be cumbersome for your attorney-in-fact. In many cases, if he or she tries to transact business on your behalf using a springing power of attorney, the financial institution will want proof that you are incapacitated, which is often a tedious and time-consuming process. 

Regardless of your priorities, there is a financial power of attorney right for your situation and goals. Determine your specific needs for an attorney-in-fact while you are of sound mind. Of course, nothing tops the advice and recommendations of an attorney experienced in these matters, so if you are wavering between your options, visit our website or give us a call so we can assist you in understanding financial powers of attorney to most adequately address your wishes.