Durable Power of Attorney: The Ultimate Guide To Ensure Your Wishes Are Carried Out

If you’re an adult with a busy schedule, it’s natural to put off thinking about someday being unable to make your own decisions. You don’t want to think about getting old or having an illness or accident that leaves you unable to take care of yourself. However, in the event that you are unable to take care of yourself, a Durable Power of Attorney is necessary to ensure your wishes are carried out. This article will help you understand what a Durable Power of Attorney is, why it’s necessary and what type of power of attorney is right for you.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives you the authority to name someone to make decisions on your behalf during a time when you are unable to do so for yourself. It also allows you to name someone to handle your finances during this time. Depending on the type of power of attorney you have, your agent can help make financial decisions, handle bills, and manage your property. It is important to note that this document is only valid when you are unable to make your own decisions. There are two types of powers of attorney: general and special. A general Power of Attorney is only valid for a limited time period, such as 90 days. A special Power of Attorney is valid until you are able to again make your own decisions. A Durable Power of Attorney is a special Power of Attorney that remains valid even if you are unable to make your own decisions.

Why Have a Durable Power of Attorney?

A Durable Power of Attorney is necessary to ensure that your loved ones are protected against your own incapability to take care of affairs. For example, if you become seriously ill or injured and are in a hospital, you may not be able to make decisions regarding your healthcare. If you ever become incapacitated, you want your loved ones to have the authority to make decisions on your behalf. A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to make important decisions, such as where you should receive medical treatment or what level of care you should receive. A Durable Power of Attorney also allows you to appoint someone to manage your finances if you are unable to take care of this yourself.

Who Can Be Named in a Durable Power of Attorney?

Anyone you trust can be named in a Durable Power of Attorney, but it is important to choose the right person. You should choose someone who is dependable, trustworthy, and mature enough to take on such a responsibility. Ideally, the person you name in your power of attorney will have a close relationship with you and know your wishes. You should speak with the person you are naming and explain what he or she will be responsible for if you are unable to take care of yourself. You should also make sure the person has no conflict of interest or reason to decline your request. You may want to name more than one person in your power of attorney in case one cannot serve. You may also want to name someone as an alternate in case the primary person cannot serve.

Types of Powers in a Durable Power of Attorney

There are three types of powers in a Durable Power of Attorney: financial, health care, and property. Each type gives your agent authority to take action on your behalf. Financial powers allow your agent to make financial decisions for you, such as paying your bills or managing your property. Health care powers give your agent authority to make healthcare decisions for you, such as choosing where you should receive medical treatment or if you should be taken off life support. Property powers allow your agent to handle matters related to your property, such as selling your home or paying off your mortgage. Depending on which powers you choose, your agent can take action in any or all of these areas on your behalf.

Conclusion

A Durable Power of Attorney is a crucial document that allows you to name someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so for yourself. It is important to understand that a General Power of Attorney is only valid for a limited time period, such as 90 days, while a Special Power of Attorney remains valid even if you are unable to make your own decisions. A Durable Power of Attorney is a special Power of Attorney that remains valid even if you are unable to make your own decisions. A Durable Power of Attorney gives your agent authority to make financial, health care, and property decisions for you. It is important to name someone you trust who is mature enough to take on such a responsibility.