What are Powers of Attorney?

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

To have a well-rounded estate plan, it's important to understand the different powers of attorney and what they do. A power of attorney authorizes someone to act on your behalf in certain legal matters. There are a variety of powers of attorney, each with its specific purpose. This blog will discuss the different powers of attorney and how they can help you protect your assets and plan for the future.

Durable Power of Attorney

This type of power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to handle your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. The durable power of attorney remains in effect even if you become disabled or unable to make decisions for yourself. This kind can be used to handle banking transactions, pay bills, manage investments, and more.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

A healthcare power of attorney gives someone the ability to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. This type of power of attorney is essential because it ensures that your wishes will be carried out even if you cannot communicate them. The healthcare power of attorney can be used to make medical treatment, end-of-life care, and more decisions.

General Power of Attorney

A general power of attorney names someone to handle all of your affairs if you become incapacitated. This type of power of attorney is similar to a durable power of attorney but is not limited to financial matters. The general power of attorney can be used to handle any legal matter on your behalf, including buying or selling property, signing contracts, and more.

Limited Power of Attorney

A limited power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to handle specific legal matters on your behalf. This kind is often used when someone is unable to manage their affairs but still wants to have some control over what happens. For example, a limited power of attorney can be used to handle a real estate transaction or sign a contract on your behalf.

Temporary Power of Attorney

A temporary power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to handle your affairs for a specific time. This kind is often used when you are out of the country or unable to manage your affairs for an extended period. The temporary power of attorney can be used to handle any legal matter on your behalf, including buying or selling property, signing contracts, and more.

Working with an Estate Planning Attorney

Powers of attorney are a vital part of any estate plan. They allow you to appoint someone to handle your affairs if you become incapacitated and ensure that your wishes will be carried out. If you have any questions about powers of attorney or estate planning, contact the experienced estate planning attorneys at Burrows Law Group. We're prepared to help you plan all aspects of your future to give you peace of mind.

Learn more about our estate planning services or schedule a consultation by calling (972) 236-7798 or visiting our website.