Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is an authorization within a law system which is given to act on someone else’s behalf in a legal or business issue. The individual authorized to act is called the adviser or attorney-in-fact while the one acted on behalf is the donor.

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone to act and make decisions on your behalf. The attorney-in-fact can be given the power to make decisions on a variety of issues. Some include:

• Financial decisions
• Health care decision
• Recommend a guardian

Types of Power Of Attorney

General Power of Attorney

Most often a general power of attorney is used to permit a person who you designate (agent) to manage your affairs during a particular period of time during which you are not able to manage them. For example, when you are traveling out of the country or state or when you are physically or mentally incapable of handling them. It allows someone you give the legal authority to take a wide range of actions on your behalf, often includes legal actions, medical decision and financial and business decision.

Limited Power of Attorney

A limited power of Attorney allows you to specify the areas you want your Attorney-in-fact to act on your behalf. It may also be limited to a particular period. For instance, you may be unable to handle some affairs because of other commitment.

Durable Power of Attorney

The durable power of Attorney allow an agent to manage all of the affairs of the principal should they become incapacitated and can no longer make personal decisions. This becomes effective immediately after the incapacitation of the principal and does not have a set period.

Health Care Power of Attorney

A health care power of attorney allows your agent to make health care decisions on your behalf when you are unconscious, mentally incompetent, or not able to do so. The document is not valid when you have the ability to give medical directions to your doctors. It only becomes effective when you don’t have that capacity and upon the consent of the presiding doctor, and it allows the attorney-in-fact to make all medical decisions related to the principal.

Springing Power of Attorney

A springing power of Attorney is an alternative way of creating a durable power of attorney. Most people find it difficult to grant someone else power when they are agile and healthy, the spring power of attorney only takes effect when specified conditions are met. Typical conditions are physical disabilities, mental incompetence, and deployment.

Irrespective of the circumstances, there is a POA form that suits any of your needs. Whether it is taking charge of a business deal that a principal cannot attend or assuming control in their affairs because of incapacitation, the power of attorney form allows people the security and flexibility to know their affairs are being looked after in a responsible way.