Planning Today… For Tomorrow

Understanding The Power Behind A Power Of Attorney (POA) Document

Estate plans are not all created equal. Your estate plan is a set of legal documents tailored to meet your legal needs now and in the future. One important component of a basic estate plan is a power of attorney document.

A power of attorney is a legal instrument that allows you to appoint a trusted person to act on your behalf to take care of your business affairs while you are living. As principal, you appoint and authorize your agent to sign legal documents in your stead if you are unavailable or unable due to incapacity. This legal authority is revocable at any time you have the mental capacity to do so.

There Are Many Different Types Of POAs

Powers of attorney can address a specific purpose for a certain period of time. For example, if you are going to be out of town and know you will have to sign for a package arriving, you may authorize a trusted agent using a POA. You may limit your agent’s authority to the dates and purpose stated in that POA.

Other POAs are created to spring into power only when the principal’s physician indicates incapacity in a written letter. This can assist your family with handling your affairs while you are alive, but unable to manage on your own.

Creating a power of attorney to address the full scope of asset protection, such as saving your home if you have not already addressed the long-term care planning, is essential.

Get Experienced Guidance Choosing The Right POA

Establishing the right power of attorney to suit your needs can be confusing without the assistance of an experienced estate planning attorney. From selecting an agent you can rely on to drafting the instruments that can give you peace of mind, David Mancuso is here to assist you. Serving Baton Rouge and the surrounding parishes for more than 30 years, the law office of W. David Mancuso Attorney, LLC, can be reached by calling 225-754-9872 or by emailing an inquiry.