what is a durable power of attorney michigan

Provided by the Probate & Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan

What is a Durable Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a document that allows you to give someone the authority to manage your financial affairs. This person is called your agent. Your agent can take care of your financial affairs as long as you are competent.

Full Answer

How do you obtain a power of attorney in Michigan?

A Durable Power of Attorney in Michigan is a legal document that gives someone you appoint the legal authority to manage your financial affairs while you are alive. For this reason, a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) is often referred to as a Financial Power of Attorney, a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, a Property Power of Attorney, or a Durable Power of Attorney for …

What is the general power of attorney in Michigan?

In Michigan, if you want the power of attorney to be durable (so that it remains effective after your incapacitation), the document must explicitly state so. Michigan's power of attorney statute suggests wording such as ""This power of attorney is not affected by the principal's subsequent disability or incapacity, or by the lapse of time." (Mich. Comp. Laws §700.5501(1).)

What are the benefits of a durable power of attorney?

Dec 22, 2020 · Create Document. Published December 22, 2020. A Michigan durable power of attorney form is a document that grants someone (the “agent”) the legal authority to act and make decisions for another person (the “principal”) in the state of Michigan. Unlike a regular non-durable power of attorney (POA), a durable power of attorney (DPOA) stays in effect even if the …

What is the purpose of a durable power of attorney?

A durable power of attorney for health care is one type of advance directive. It is also known as a patient advocate designation or health care proxy. Similar to a financial power of attorney, a durable health care power of attorney allows you to choose someone to make medical decisions for you if you can no longer make them for yourself.

What does Durable power of attorney mean in Michigan?

(1) A durable power of attorney is a power of attorney by which a principal designates another as the principal's attorney-in-fact in a writing that contains the words "This power of attorney is not affected by the principal's subsequent disability or incapacity, or by the lapse of time", or "This power of attorney is ...

What is the difference between a POA and a durable POA?

Note that the person you name does not have to be an attorney. A durable power of attorney, sometimes called a DPOA for short, means there is language within the legal document providing that this power extends to your agent even in the event you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself.

Does a durable power of attorney have to be notarized in Michigan?

The durable power of attorney must either be notarized (in practice this is preferred) or witnessed by two persons who are not the agent (the person who may act for the principal). ... The witnesses must also sign the power of attorney.

How do I get a durable power of attorney in Michigan?

Under Michigan law, the principal must sign and date a durable power of attorney. Alternatively, a notary public can sign and date a POA authorized by the principal on their behalf. The power of attorney also requires the signatures of two witnesses, notarization, or both.

What are the 4 types of power of attorney?

AgeLab outlines very well the four types of power of attorney, each with its unique purpose:General Power of Attorney. ... Durable Power of Attorney. ... Special or Limited Power of Attorney. ... Springing Durable Power of Attorney.Jun 2, 2017

Which power of attorney is valid after death?

Upon the death of the principal, the power of attorney is no longer valid and instead the will is executed. Instead of the agent, now the executor of the will is responsible for carrying out the demands of the principal through the will.Jun 25, 2021

Can family members witness a power of attorney?

An attorney's signature must also be witnessed by someone aged 18 or older but can't be the donor. Attorney's can witness each other's signature, and your certificate provider can be a witness for the donor and attorneys.Aug 26, 2021

Do you need a lawyer to get a power of attorney?

Do I need a lawyer to prepare a Power of Attorney? There is no legal requirement that a Power of Attorney be prepared or reviewed by a lawyer. However, if you are going to give important powers to an agent, it is wise to get individual legal advice before signing a complicated form.

Who makes medical decisions if there is no power of attorney in Michigan?

decisions.” MCL 700.5508(1). Who determines whether the individual has become unable to participate in medical treatment decisions? The individual's attending physician and a second physician or licensed psychologist make that determination.

Can a family member override a power of attorney?

The Principal can override either type of POA whenever they want. However, other relatives may be concerned that the Agent (in most cases a close family member like a parent, child, sibling, or spouse) is abusing their rights and responsibilities by neglecting or exploiting their loved one.Nov 3, 2019

Do spouses automatically have power of attorney in Michigan?

Under Michigan law, married individuals don't have automatic powers of attorney if their spouses are incapacitated.Sep 13, 2016

Does a power of attorney signature need to be witnessed?

It is not necessary as a matter of law. The witness must be present when the agreement is signed.

What Is A Durable Power of Attorney?

A Durable Power of Attorney in Michigan is a legal document that gives someone you appoint the legal authority to manage your financial affairs whi...

When Do I Need A Financial Power of Attorney?

You should have a Financial Power of Attorney in place before something devastating happens such as a serious car accident, or the mental and physi...

Do I Still Need A Durable Financial Power Of Attorney If My Spouse And I Own Our Home and Bank Accou...

Even if you and your spouse own your home and bank accounts jointly, it’s usually best to have a Durable Financial Power of Attorney just in case s...

What Can Your Agent Do?

When selecting your agent, it is very important to appoint someone that you trust. An agent can: Sign your checks Make deposits Pay your bills Cont...

Non-Durable vs Durable Power of Attorney

Non-durable Powers of Attorney become invalid upon incapacitation. Their use is generally limited to carrying out a single task on behalf of an ind...

When Does A Financial Power of Attorney Become Effective?

A Financial Power of Attorney can become effective immediately, letting the agent make decisions regardless of the principal’s status, or at a late...

How Do I Get A Durable Power Of Attorney In Michigan?

It’s usually best to consult with an experienced Estate Planning Attorney who can answer any additional questions and help you create a legally bin...

What is durable power of attorney?

What is a Durable Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a document that allows you to give someone the authority to manage your financial affairs. This person is called your agent. Your agent can take care of your financial affairs as long as you are competent. A " durable " power of attorney is a power of attorney that remains in effect ...

Can a spouse be a power of attorney?

To provide your consent and signature to these legal transactions after your disability or incapacity, your spouse must be named as your agent under a durable power of attorney.

What does it mean when you are incapacitated?

If you are incapacitated, it means you have a mental or physical condition that prevents you from taking care of your own financial affairs. You must sign your durable power of attorney in front of a notary or two witnesses. Also, your agent must sign an acknowledgement of responsibilities and duties before exercising authority.

Can you name more than one agent?

You can name more than one agent to act at the same time. Include in your durable power of attorney whether the agents will act separately or as one. You should also name successor agents who will act if your agent becomes unavailable or unwilling to act on your behalf.

What is the duty of an agent?

Your agent must follow your instructions and act in your best interest. The agent must keep receipts and accurate records about your assets. The agent must keep a record of the actions done on your behalf. If you ask your agent to keep you informed of his or her actions, then he or she must do so.

What is a durable power of attorney in Michigan?

A Michigan durable power of attorney form is a document that grants someone (the “agent”) the legal authority to act and make decisions for another person (the “principal”) in the state of Michigan. Unlike a regular non-durable power of attorney (POA), a durable power of attorney (DPOA) stays in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated ...

What does the principal need to mark on the form?

The principal needs to mark on the form which areas of their life they want to give the agent legal power over. This can be general authority (e.g., operation of a business) or specific authority (e.g., make a loan). They can also write specific instructions about which actions the agent can perform on their behalf.

What is a financial power of attorney?

A financial power of attorney (or POA) is a legal document by which one person (called the "principal") gives another person authority to act on his or her behalf in one or more types of financial matters. The person acting for the principal in financial matters is known in Michigan as the "attorney-in-fact," but in many other states is called the "agent."

Does Michigan have a power of attorney?

Power of Attorney Requirements in Michigan. Michigan may not have standardized forms to obtain Power of Attorney, but these steps will help you navigate the PoA process in the Wolverine state. Obtaining a power of attorney in Michigan is not as easy as in many other states, because the Michigan legislature has not established standardized forms ...

Does Michigan have a durable POA?

Michigan allows for both a durable and a springing POA, but the legislature has not provided any form. To make a durable POA, the following statement should be included: "This power of attorney is not affected by the principal's subsequent disability or incapacity, or by the lapse of time.".

How old do you have to be to be a patient advocate?

It may include decisions regarding mental health treatment, and the ability to make anatomical gifts in the event of death. A person must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to create a Designation of Patient Advocate.

Why is it important to have a power of attorney?

The most important reason to have these documents in place, though, is to preserve your control over your medical and financial affairs.

What is included in an estate plan in Michigan?

In Michigan, a complete estate plan includes both medical and financial powers of attorney. No matter the size of your estate, these documents preserve something that may be more valuable to you than money: your ability to make important decisions regarding your life, health, and finances.

What is a POA?

But a POA is like a blanket: if it's poorly constructed or full of holes, it won't do the job it's intended for when it matters. Different people need different things from a POA, but everyone needs it to be legally enforceable. A low cost or internet “boilerplate” power of attorney is like a blanket: if it's poorly constructed or full of holes, ...

Is a living will legal in Michigan?

This is an incorrect, and possibly dangerous, assumption. In Michigan, living wills have no enforceable legal effect.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

What you need is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, also known as a Patient Advocate Designation (PAD). This document allows you to designate a person, your "advocate", to make medical decisions (including mental health decisions, if you so choose) on your behalf if you no longer can. It also lets you direct what kind ...

Do not resuscitate Michigan?

If that's the case, your doctor can write a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) order to prevent medical providers from performing CPR when it would be otherwise called for. Michigan law permits you to wear a medical alert type bracelet or necklace containing this information to notify emergency personnel of your DNR. If you do not have a DNR order in place, and your advocate has not authorized one, medical personnel are legally and ethically bound to try to resuscitate you.

Does HIPAA protect privacy?

HIPAA laws exist to protect your privacy. However, if you are not conscious or competent when you enter a facility for medical care, you will not be able to authorize medical care providers to share information with your advocate.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a written document that authorizes another person (the “attorney-in-fact”) to act in the place of the person granting the power (the “principal”). This type of relationship is called an “agency relationship” because the power of attorney authorizes the attorney-in-fact to act as ...

Who can execute a durable power of attorney?

By statute, [10] (1) a parent or guardian of a minor or (2) a guardian of a legally incapacitated individual may execute a durable power of attorney that delegates the parent’s or guardian’s powers regarding the care, custody, or property of the minor child or legally incapacitated individual (except the parent’s or guardian’s power to consent to the marriage or adoption of a minor ward or to release the minor ward for adoption).

What is a restricted power of attorney?

A specific, limited, or restricted power of attorney authorizes the attorney-in-fact to take action on behalf of the principal only with regard to specific matters or for limited purposes. This type of power of attorney also may include other restrictions on the attorney-in-fact’s ability to act. For example, a restricted power of attorney may provide that the power of attorney is effective only during a certain period of time or is only effective on a particular date. Other restrictions may include limitations intended to prevent an abuse of power.

Who can be designated as a funeral representative?

By statute, [11] an individual may designate an adult to serve as his or her funeral representative and make decisions regarding funeral arrangements and the handling, disposition, or disinterment of the individual’s body. This type of designation must be in writing and fulfill the other requirements set forth in the statute.

What is a patient advocate?

A patient advocate designation is a document through which an individual (called the “patient”) designates an adult (called the “patient advocate”) to make decisions regarding the patient’s medical or mental health treatment when the patient is unable to make such decisions himself or herself.

Advance Directives in the State of Michigan

Michigan has two kinds of Advance Directives. One is the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPOA-HC), which can be used in both inpatient and ambulatory care settings within the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers. The other is a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Declaration, which is for non-hospital settings.

Resources

For more information or for assistance with advance directives, please contact one of the resources below. You can also get printed copies of the Advance Directives Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care booklet at these locations: