While it may be difficult to think about, there may come a time when you can no longer make or communicate your own decisions about finances, health care, housing and other important matters. Therefore, it is crucial to appoint someone you trust make decisions for you, if necessary.
Establishing who your power of attorney will be takes time and consideration. It is important to understand what they will be responsible for and when their duties go into effect. You likely have many questions, and the team at The Law Office Of Paul D. White P.A. is here to help you find answers
What Does Power Of Attorney Mean?
Power of attorney is a legally binding document that allows someone else to act on your behalf. This person becomes your appointed "agent." It is for you to decide and specify which kinds of decisions your agent has control over and when he or she is allowed to make them. For instance, your appointment (or expiration of appointment) can be tied to a certain date or life event. It is common to appoint a "durable power of attorney," meaning that the POA survives your becoming incapacitated.
Although POA can include authority over financial and housing decisions, this page is primarily focused on durable health care power of attorney. Once you have decided who your agent will be, your power of attorney designation must be formalized in a legal document and signed while you are still of sound mind.
How Does It Work?
If you ever become mentally or physically incapacitated and unable to make or communicate your own decisions, your agent will make sure your medical preferences and instructions are followed. It is important that the person you choose understands your wishes and feels confident enough to follow through with them should the need arise.
If you have not appointed power of attorney and you become incapacitated, it may force family members to make decisions without your input. Unfortunately, that means they may make choices that you would not want. It may also mean that they need to petition a court for guardianship, which can be an expensive and lengthy process.
Creating a power of attorney means that your voice will be heard even when you are unable to communicate on your own. And it offers guidance on crucial decisions about medical care and end-of-life care.
Talk To An Experienced Lawyer For Free
Let our firm answer your questions and help you establish a power of attorney. You can rest assured knowing that all of your wishes will be carried out. Call our Bryant, Arkansas, office today for a free consultation at 501-847-5556 or fill out our contact form.
