Even if you are physically and mentally healthy, it is important to be prepared for any sudden injuries or illnesses. Getting sick or growing old is never a matter of if but more of a matter of when.
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows another person to make critical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, mentally or physically unable to make decisions for yourself. It can be a useful tool when planning for the future should you ever be unable to manage your personal or financial affairs.
Before you create a Power of Attorney, it is important to consult a dedicated attorney. At Nelson Elder Care Law, one of our Georgia Power of Attorney lawyers can explain these legal documents and help you feel secure in your future plans.
These two Estate Planning tools are often confused for one another, as both POAs and Guardianships allow someone to make important decisions on your behalf when you are unable to. Both types of documents can cover financial and/or personal matters.
Although there are some similarities between a Power of Attorney and a Guardianship, there are also important differences. The main difference comes down to your rights. When the courts appoint a person to be your Guardian, you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. If a court has decided that Guardianship is necessary, they have determined that you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.
A Power of Attorney is different. This legal document gives someone you trust the right to make certain decisions on your behalf. However, It does not take away your right to make your own decisions. A skilled Power of Attorney lawyer at our firm can help you understand the differences between the two and help you choose the option that works for you.
A Power of Attorney is a flexible tool that can applied based off of your needs and circumstances. A well-practiced local attorney like the ones on our team, can help you determine how much authority to grant another person and what type of POA best fits your needs. Typically, these documents are categorized by when they go into effect.
The first type of POA is known as a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). A Durable Power of Attorney goes into effect immediately after you create it. This option allows another person to act on your behalf even if you are not yet incapacitated. You can be of sound mind and health and the DPOA will still be in effect.
A Springing Power of Attorney only goes into effect once you are unable to make your own decisions. This allows you to plan ahead without taking away your decision-making abilities up until that point.
Because POA’s are so flexible, there are many options to consider when considering this tool. Our Power of Attorney lawyers will help create an arrangement that works for you and your future goals.
A Power of Attorney is an important part of many Estate Plans. This tool allows you to maintain control over your life while preparing for any circumstances that may affect your decision-making abilities. If you have questions about whether this option is right for you, speak with one of our Georgia Power of Attorney lawyers. Our legal team can evaluate your case during our free consultation, so give us a call today.
