While many people tend to focus on developing trusts and wills in estate planning, a power of attorney (POA) document can be just as important. With the help of a Phoenix power of attorney lawyer, you may be able to decide on the right POA and avoid potential mistakes when drafting this document.
At the Dayes Law Firm, our experienced team of estate planning attorneys can advise you on setting up or implementing a Power of Attorney, helping you make the right decisions for your future. Call us now to set up a consultation. We work throughout the state and the Southwest region.
How Does Power of Attorney Work?
A POA is a specific legal document that enables another person to make certain decisions on behalf of another. The person giving power of attorney to another is called the “principal” in this document, while the individual receiving the power of attorney is the “attorney-in-fact” or the “agent.” Depending on the terms of the POA document, the agent could have anywhere from limited to full legal authority regarding the principal’s finances, property, or health care.
A POA is critical when the principal is either currently unable to make their own decisions and consent to legal documents, or is likely to be unable to do so in the near future. When completing the POA in Phoenix, both the principal and agent must sign the document, while a third party serves as a witness to the signing.
Types of Powers of Attorney
Depending on the circumstances and the nature of the POA, there are several types of powers of attorney that could come into play, such as:
- Durable POA — Enables agents to act on a principal’s behalf if the latter becomes incapacitated due to injury or illness, ending with the principal’s death
- General POA — Gives agents full decision-making authority over various aspects of the principal’s life, such as real estate transactions, finances, medical care, and other legal decisions
- Springing POA — Goes into effect upon the principal’s confirmed incapacitation
- Special POA — Provides agents with the authority to act on behalf of a principal for a specific purpose, such as signing certain types of documents like loans
- Parental POA — Allows someone to have temporary authority over another’s children, with a six-month maximum
- Health Care POA — Gives agents the ability to make decisions regarding a principal’s medical care in the event of an incapacitating injury or illness
An experienced power of attorney lawyer could help individuals in Phoenix determine which type of POA is best for their situation.
Why Work With a Power of Attorney Lawyer in Phoenix?
Our Phoenix-based attorneys have experience in power of attorney matters and could help potential principals make the right choices when drafting a POA and establishing an agent.
For example, a lawyer could advise on the various types of POAs available, set particular limitations or provisions, help select the most ideal agent, and further confirm that the completed document appeals to the principal’s needs. With this kind of guidance, having an attorney can go a long way in avoiding any potential issues that might otherwise hinder a POA.
Connect With a Phoenix Power of Attorney Attorney Now
POAs are crucial documents for many people who craft an estate plan. Having the right lawyer to handle power of attorney cases can give principals the protections they need from a properly drafted and enacted POA document.
To learn how the professionals at the Dayes Law Firm could help you, contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix power of attorney lawyer.
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