A durable power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have. It allows someone who you appoint (your agent) to make decisions on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated. If you have not appointed an agent then your friends and family may not have the authority to make decisions on your behalf. In that case, a judge may have to appoint someone for this task, which can require a court process that is expensive and tedious.
While a durable power of attorney (POA) is one of the most common estate planning documents, it is also one of the most misunderstood. This article will break down some of the common misconceptions regarding POAs and help you understand what you need to create a valid POA.
Misconception: Technology is so great now, there is no need to speak with an attorney, I can just create my own POA online.
Truth: POAs are not one-size-fits-all. Each person’s situation is unique. If you use a cookie cutter program it may not cover specific transactions. In order to conduct many financial transactions specific language must be used to grant proper authority. Elder law attorneys create these documents regularly which gives them valuable experience in unique situations and can make sure you have all your bases covered.
Misconception: POAs are one-and-done documents. Once I create it I will never have to touch it again.
Truth: POAs are documents that should be updated regularly. Laws change and if you have not regularly updated your documents you may find out too late that your POA is not valid. Further, some financial institutions may not accept a POA that was not updated in the last few years for fear of a lawsuit.
Misconception: I shouldn’t make my POA active until I become incompetent (a “springing” POA).
Truth: While the timing of granting agency through a POA is a matter of personal preference an immediately effective POA should be considered. A springing POA usually requires a finding of incompetency by at least one doctor and sometimes two. However, there may be an emergency where a doctor will not sign off that you are incompetent. Making your POA effective immediately removes the need for a doctor to declare you incompetent.
Misconception: I don’t need a POA, I’m young and healthy, plus I don’t have many assets.
Truth: Every single person over the age of 18 should have a POA. You never know when something catastrophic may happen. You need to have a plan in place to take care of you in the event you become incapacitated unexpectedly. If you do not have these documents in place then you have no control who will be making decisions on your behalf. It can be expensive and time consuming for your loved ones to go through the court to have one of them appointed by a judge.
POAs are essential documents that everyone should have. At Nugen Law, we can examine your unique situation to create your POA and to keep it updated. Please contact our office in Auburn, IN at 260-925-3738 if you would like to speak with an attorney about creating your own POA.
Archives
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- November 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018