Power of Attorney
You can count on us for comprehensive help with power of attorney needs
A power of attorney is a document that gives a person you assign the legal authority to make decisions for you and to act on your behalf. If you are a single person, then you need a power of attorney to designate who can act on your behalf. If you are married person, then the law assumes that your spouse is the one who should be making decisions for you, but you can change this by filing a power of attorney that gives someone else these rights.
There are many reasons you may need a power of attorney
Even if you are young and healthy, you cannot tell the future. What happens if you are in a car accident tomorrow and are unable to make your own decisions? Older adults could have a stroke at any time, or dementia could set in with little warning. Having a durable power of attorney in place assures that you are able to make your own final decisions by assigning someone you trust to do so.
Power of attorney for financial issues
A financial power of attorney gives the person you designate the power to act on your behalf in financial issues. They are generally referred to legally as your attorney-in-fact or your agent. They will be able to sign legal and financial documents on your behalf. If a durable power of attorney is in place, then they will be responsible for making legal decisions after you have become incapacitated.
Power of attorney for health care issues
When you give someone power of attorney for health care, they will be responsible for making medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so. It is essential that your lawyer create a health care directive that is as detailed as possible so that the agent you assign to act on your behalf knows how to address issues such as whether you want to remain on life support, if you are an organ donor, and regarding post-death issues such as cremation vs. burial.
Durable power of attorney
A durable power of attorney continues to be in effect even if the person who issued it becomes incapacitated. If the power of attorney is not durable, then it is only in effect so long as the party is able to make their own decisions. A non-durable power of attorney may be the chosen option for financial matters in which the person issuing it wants another person to be able to make financial decisions on their behalf but only as long as they are capable of overseeing those decisions.
Call us today for help with power of attorney needs
No matter what the reason is, if you are in need of legal assistance regarding power of attorney then it is time to contact The Law Offices of Alejo Lugo & Associates at (800) 497-0018. We are a locally owned and operated firm with more than 15 years of experience. Turn to us for the personalized service, confidential consultations, and affordable legal solutions you need.