what does the power of attorney allow me to do

by Dr. Florida Marvin 4 min read

A power of attorney (POA) is a legally binding document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your property, medical, or financial affairs. Although it can be uncomfortable to think about needing it, a POA is an important part of your estate plan. A POA is typically used in the event that you become unable to manage your own affairs.

A general power of attorney allows the agent to act on behalf of the principal in any matters, as allowed by state laws. The agent under such an agreement may be authorized to handle bank accounts, sign checks, sell property, manage assets, and file taxes for the principal.

Full Answer

What can a power of attorney really do?

A power of attorney allows you to appoint whoever you want to be your agent. A power of attorney can also allow someone you trust to help you with financial (14) … What is a power of attorney? · Handling transactions at financial institutions. · Paying your bills. · Negotiating and signing contracts. · Hiring and firing people (15) …

What will a power of attorney allow me to do?

What Can a Financial Power of Attorney Do? An agent with a valid power of attorney for finances may be able to: Access the principal’s financial accounts to pay for health care, housing needs and other bills. File taxes on behalf of the principal. Make investment decisions on behalf of the principal. Collect the principal’s debts.

What kind of power does a power of attorney actually have?

A power of attorney allows an agent to access the principal’s bank accounts, either as a general power or a specific power. If the document grants an agent power over that account, they must provide a copy of the document along with appropriate identification to access the bank account.

What are the disadvantages of a power of attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is an incredibly important piece of your Estate Planning efforts. Your POA allows you to appoint another person, known as an “agent,” to act in your place. An agent can step in to make financial, medical or other major life decisions should you become incapacitated and no longer able to do so.

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What does power of attorney enable you to do?

A power of attorney gives the attorney the legal authority to deal with third parties such as banks or the local council. Some types of power of attorney also give the attorney the legal power to make a decision on behalf of someone else such as where they should live or whether they should see a doctor.

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

Are there any decisions I could not give an attorney power to decide? 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.

Can I sell my mother's house with power of attorney?

Answer: Those appointed under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can sell property on behalf the person who appointed them, provided there are no restrictions set out in the LPA. You can sell your mother's house as you and your sister were both appointed to act jointly and severally.Apr 2, 2014

Does next of kin override power of attorney?

No. The term next of kin is in common use but a next of kin has no legal powers, rights or responsibilities.