Power of Attorney Planning – Get the Fast Facts

One of the most important parts of your lifetime estate planning has to do with a power of attorney. This document gives one or more individuals the authority to act on your behalf as your official “agent”. You can give this individual narrow powershutterstock_45049690s or you can give them broad discretion over acting in your capacity.

If you wanted to limit their powers, for example, you could stipulate that this person only has the authority to act to help close the sale of your home. This power, too, can be temporary or permanent, based on your needs. Many people choose to have the power of attorney be “triggered” by a certain type of event, such as your incapacity. This is referred to as a springing power of attorney.

Choosing the right person to serve as your agent is an important process, especially if you are electing powers with broad latitude permanently. You should consult directly with an estate planning lawyer to learn more about how the power of attorney will impact your life and what powers you should include within this document.

You should carefully weigh your options when putting together a new power of attorney. Getting advice from an outsider can help you avoid costly mistakes and have the peace of mind that you have made the right decision. Call us today to discuss your power of attorney or schedule an appointment over email at info@lawesq.net.

Changing Your Power of Attorney

What if you already executed a power of attorney some years ago and now want to change that person? Is it as simple as revoking the old one and creating a new one? Make sure you’ve investigated whether your power of attorney is “durable” or “springing”. What’s the difference?

Changing Your Power of Attorney
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A springing POA is a person who has not yet assumed his or her position yet, making it much easier to change your plans. If you named someone else as a backup and would prefer that person now be your POA instead, you can amend your existing power of attorney to reflect this change in plans.

If the POA is actually a durable attorney, meaning that this individual was empowered to act on your behalf immediately after the document was executed, you may need to do a little more work. You should use certified and first class mail to notify the original individual that he or she has been removed as POA in case there is a dispute down the line about termination and institution of a new POA. If you believe that this person is out there exercising authority under your old Power of Attorney, you’ll need to take responsibility for contacting banks or other institutions where this is an issue. Make sure you have your estate planning attorney keep copies of all your documents on file in case there are any questions. To begin or change a power of attorney and any other estate planning documents, call us at 732-521-9455 today or request a meeting via email at info@lawesq.net.