how and when to use the durable power-of-attorney

A durable healthcare power of attorney is useful when a medical emergency leaves you unconscious or otherwise unable to make choices about your care. It appoints someone else to communicate with doctors and make medical decisions for you.

Full Answer

What is a general durable power of attorney?

In short, a general durable power of attorney is about your ability to have your property, legal affairs, business dealings and financial matters handled effectively, conveniently and quickly in the event of difficult or unforeseen personal circumstances.

What does durable power of attorney mean?

• The principal dies.
• The principal revokes the power of attorney.
• A court determines that the principal is totally or partially incapacitated and does not specifically provide that the power of attorney is to remain in force.
• The purpose of the power of attorney is completed.
• The term of the power of attorney expires.

What is a durable financial power of attorney?

• Paying bills, including signing checks
• Buying, selling, and managing real estate
• Conducting business transactions
• Borrowing money
• Handling legal or insurance claims
• Filing tax returns
• Making donations or gifts
• Making medical decisions

What is a durable family power of attorney?

Power of attorney can be durable or temporary. A durable power of attorney continues until you explicitly revoke it while a temporary grant specifies when that power will end. Power of attorney ...

What is the advantage to executing a durable power of attorney?

It Can be Empowering – A durable power of attorney allows you to decide in advance who will make decisions on your behalf without removing any of your rights or transferring ownership of assets. You also get to decide how much control the agent has over your care and your assets.

What is the best power of attorney to have?

You can write a POA in two forms: general or limited. A general power of attorney allows the agent to make a wide range of decisions. This is your best option if you want to maximize the person's freedom to handle your assets and manage your care.

What three decisions Cannot be made by a legal power of attorney?

You cannot give an attorney the power to: act in a way or make a decision that you cannot normally do yourself – for example, anything outside the law. consent to a deprivation of liberty being imposed on you, without a court order.

What type of power of attorney covers everything?

Enduring power of attorney (EPA) An EPA covers decisions about your property and financial affairs, and it comes into effect if you lose mental capacity, or if you want someone to act on your behalf.

Does a power of attorney need to be notarized?

It depends on the state, since each state has its own rules for validating a power of attorney. Some require two witnesses and no notary, some requ...

How much does a power of attorney cost?

The cost for a power of attorney varies, depending on how you obtain the form and your state’s notary requirements. Online forms may be free, and y...

How many people can be listed on a power of attorney?

You can name multiple agents on your power of attorney, but you will need to specify how the agents should carry out their shared or separate duties.

What are the requirements to be a power of attorney agent?

Legally, an agent must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.4 You should also choose someone you trust to act in your best interests.

When should I create a power of attorney?

You can create a power of attorney at any point after you turn 18. You need to create a power of attorney while you’re of sound mind.

What should a durable power of attorney reflect?

Your durable power of attorney and overarching estate plans should reflect your financial, medical, and legal situation. Estate planning lawyers have professional training to spot indirect issues that could affect your plans. Avoid legal mistakes and redundancies by hiring a legal team to draft your documents early on.

What is the difference between a durable power of attorney and a general power of attorney?

The primary difference between a durable power of attorney and general power of attorney is that durable POAs remain intact until the principal either revokes authority or dies while the latter ends upon principal incapacitation. They also share different purposes as well.

What are the important clauses in a durable power of attorney?

Important clauses in a durable power of attorney agreement include: Introduction of the parties. Specific delegate powers.

Why do you need a power of attorney?

Reasons to use a general power of attorney include: Handle financial matters. Operate an owned business. Manage and discuss insurance policies. Making doctor’s appointments. Discuss medical records. Issue critical decisions in their place. Retain legal rights to specific designations.

Can a power of attorney change over time?

It is not unusual for someone’s situation to change over time. Your attorney can offer you ongoing maintenance services on your durable power of attorney and other estate planning documents. It is usually comforting and encouraging to know that someone can help you as necessary.

Do attorneys help other family members?

Attorneys can also assist other family members. If you have a spouse, they will most likely need one, too, if not already in place. You and your spouse can work with the same individual to ensure a cohesive strategy is in place.

Can a financial DPOA be someone you know?

They can authorize transactions, make withdrawals, open new accounts, and speak with the bank on your behalf. Your financial DPOA must be someone you know and trust well since they have direct access to your financial accounts. There are other types of legal powers of attorney.

Why should a power of attorney be written?

Powers of Attorney should be written clearly so that the Attorney-in-Fact and third parties know what the Attorney-in-Fact can and cannot do. If you, as Attorney-in-Fact, are unsure whether or not you are authorized to do a particular act, you should consult the attorney who prepared the document.

What is a power of attorney?

A Power of Attorney empowers an Attorney-in-Fact to do certain specified things for the Principal during the Principal's lifetime. A Living Trust also allows a person, called a "trustee," to do certain things for the maker of the trust during that person's lifetime but these powers also extend beyond death.

What happens if a third party refuses to honor a power of attorney?

Under some circumstances, if the third party's refusal to honor the Power of Attorney causes damage, the third party may be liable for those damages and even attorney's fees and court costs. Even mere delay may cause damage and this too may subject the third party to a lawsuit for damages.

What is an attorney in fact?

An Attorney-in-Fact is looked upon as a "fiduciary" under the law. A fiduciary relationship is one of trust. If the Attorney-in-Fact violates this trust, the law may punish the Attorney-in-Fact both civilly (by ordering the payments of restitution and punishment money) and criminally (probation or jail).

What is the purpose of an affidavit in Tennessee?

The purpose of the affidavit is to relieve the third party of liability for accepting an invalid Power of Attorney. In Tennessee, an affidavit that is similar to the one at the end of this Web page is acceptable to most third parties. Other states may have a different form. You may wish to consult your attorney.

What is an affidavit for power of attorney?

An affidavit is a sworn written statement. A third party may require you, as the Attorney-in-Fact, to sign an affidavit stating that you are validly exercising your duties under the Power of Attorney. If you want to use the Power of Attorney, you do need to sign the affidavit if so requested by the third party.

Can a durable power of attorney be terminated?

Even a Durable Power of Attorney, however, may be terminated under certain circumstances if court proceedings are filed.

Why do we need a durable powers of attorney?

Durable powers of attorney help you plan for medical emergencies and declines in mental functioning and can ensure that your finances are taken care of. Having these documents in place helps eliminate confusion and uncertainty when family members have to make tough medical decisions.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney allows someone else to handle your legal, financial, or medical matters. General powers of attorney cover a wide range of transactions, while limited powers of attorney cover only specific situations, such as authorizing a car dealer to register your new vehicle for you.

What does POA stand for in power of attorney?

When power of attorney is made durable, it remains intact if you cannot make decisions for yourself. A power of attorney (POA) authorizes someone else to handle certain matters, such as finances or health care, on your behalf. If a power of attorney is durable, it remains in effect if you become incapacitated, such as due to illness or an accident. ...

What is the purpose of a durable POA?

The purpose of a durable POA is to plan for medical emergencies, cognitive decline later in life, or other situations where you're no longer capable of making decisions.

What can an attorney in fact do?

An attorney-in-fact can handle many types of transactions, including: Buying and selling property. Managing bank accounts, bills, and investments. Filing tax returns. Applying for government benefits. If you become incapacitated and don't have a general durable power of attorney, your family may have to go to court and have you declared incompetent ...

What is a power of attorney for healthcare?

A healthcare power of attorney, on the other hand, names someone to make medical decisions any time you are unable to do it yourself, even if you are expected to make a full recovery.

Can a POA be effective if you are incapacitated?

The POA can take effect immediately or can become effective only if you are incapacitated. The person you appoint is known as your agent, or attorney-in-fact, although the individual or company doesn't have to be a lawyer. An attorney-in-fact can handle many types of transactions, including: Buying and selling property.

Why do you need a durable power of attorney?

As demonstrated in the story above, one of the most compelling reasons to create a Durable Power of Attorney is the possibility of incapacity. If you have a revocable living trust, it’s true that your Successor Trustee can step in to take control over the assets of your trust if you become incapacitated.

What is a power of attorney?

A general power of attorney legally authorizes your “agent” (aka attorney-in-fact) to act on your behalf in a wide range of business matters. A few examples include filing tax returns; buying and selling real estate; paying bills; and managing bank accounts.

What is a springing power of attorney?

Springing Power of Attorney: This type of Durable Power of Attorney does not “spring into effect” until the principal (creator) becomes incapacitated, allowing you to avoid giving your agent immediate authority. In California, a Springing Power of Attorney usually includes this phrase: “This power of attorney shall become effective upon ...

What is a POA?

A Power of Attorney (or POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone else to handle certain matters on your behalf. A Durable Power of Attorney remains in effect even if the creator becomes mentally incompetent. This is different from a traditional Power of Attorney which becomes defunct when the creator loses mental capacity.

How old do you have to be to get a power of attorney in California?

The principal must have the same legal capacity to enter into a contract; namely, they must be at least 18 years old and “of sound mind”.

What does a principal do in a document?

Often the document will allow the principal (creator) to designate exactly which tasks the named agent has permission to perform on their behalf. The principal can also choose whether the document takes effect immediately or becomes effective only after you are incapacitated.

When signing a document on your behalf, should you sign your name?

When they sign documents on your behalf, they should sign their name and then indicate that they’re signing as power of attorney. It’s helpful to ask about the preferred format before signing a given document.

What is a durable power of attorney?

A durable power of attorney form (DPOA) allows an individual (“principal”) to select someone else (“agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to handle their financial affairs while they are alive. The term “durable” refers to the form remaining valid and in-effect if the principal should become incapacitated (e.g. dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.).

How many copies of POA form are needed?

Successor Agent (optional) – Elect to have in case the agent is not available. Durable POA Form (3 copies) – It is recommended to bring 3 copies for signing. Notary Public / Witnesses – Depending on the State, it is required the form is signed by a notary public or witness (es) present.

What is UPOAA law?

The Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) are laws created by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (ULC) and have been adopted by 28 States since 2007. The incorporation of the laws is to bring uniformity to all 50 States and set common guidelines. Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) Statutes (Revised 2006)

What powers does the principal have in real estate?

Financial Powers. The principal may grant the following standard financial powers to the agent in accordance with Section 301 (page 68): Real property – The buying, selling, and leasing of real estate; Tangible Personal Property – The selling or leasing of personal items;

What do you need to do after a form is completed?

After the form has been completed the principal will need to figure out the signing requirements in their State to finalize the document. In addition, the principal will need to gather the agent (s) as they will be required to sign the form in front of either the two (2) witnesses or notary public.

What is an attorney in fact statement?

(25) Attorney-in-Fact Declaration. The Agent who will be granted the principal powers you approved according to the conditions you set will have an acceptance statement to tend to. The printed name of the Attorney-in-Fact must be included in this statement.

How can an agent's duties be terminated?

The agent’s duties can be terminated in any of the following ways ( Section 301 (page 71 ): Death of the principal; A revocation form authorized by the principal; The occurrence of a termination event; The purpose of the power of to be accomplished or completed;

What does a financial durable power of attorney do?

It is a financial durable power of attorney - this means that it only allows the agent to handle financial matters. It does not permit the agent to make decisions about the principal's health care.

What is the Texas estate code for a power of attorney?

The agent's authority has been terminated under Texas Estates Code 751.132 and the power of attorney does not provide for a replacement; or. A guardian is appointed for the principal.

What is incapacitated power of attorney in Texas?

According to Section 751.00201 of the Texas Estates Code, a person is considered to be "incapacitated" for the purposes of a durable power of attorney if a doctor's examination finds that they are not able to manage their own finances.

About The Power of Attorney

Powers and Duties of An Attorney-In-Fact

Using The Power of Attorney

• When is a Power of Attorney effective? The Power of Attorney is effective as soon as the Principal signs it, unless the Principal states that it is only to be effective upon the happening of some future event. These are called "springing" powers, because they spring into action upon a certain occurrence. The most common occurrence states that the P...

See more on tn-elderlaw.com

Financial Management and The Liability of An Attorney-In-Fact

Relationship of Power of Attorney to Other Legal Devices

Conservators and Powers of Attorney

Affidavit by Attorney-In-Fact