Bay Area Estate Planning Lawyer: Which Power of Attorney is Right for Me?

A Power of Attorney is a document which names an agent to handle your financial affairs if you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to, while also explaining any limitations you wish to place on your agent while they act in your stead. There are many types to choose from, so it’s important to know which one best meets your goals. To determine this, you must first decide what you’d like your POA to accomplish. A Bay Area estate planning lawyer can help. Some reasons you’d name an agent for your financial affairs include:

• You’re traveling outside of the country for an extended period
• You’re concerned that, in the future, you may no longer able to manage your financial affairs by yourself
• You need a matter taken care of in a timely fashion, such as a real estate closing, but you cannot attend to it personally

Luckily, there are Power of Attorney documents for all these scenarios.

Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable Power of Attorney grants an agent or agents the ability to manage financial affairs, and that power doesn’t end if the grantor becomes incompetent. Many senior citizens utilize a Durable Power of Attorney so that their children or other trusted family members can handle their financial affairs in case of incapacity, and sometimes so that the agents have a better idea of their affairs before the senior passes away.

Springing Power of Attorney

The key feature of a Springing Power of Attorney is when the document takes effect. A Springing POA only works if you are found to be incapacitated by a healthcare professional, or if another pre-determined situation takes place. A Springing Power of Attorney is often utilized by younger individuals who want the protections of a Power of Attorney, but do not want to hand financial control to their agents immediately.

General Power of Attorney

A General Power of Attorney is typically only in effect for a set period, whereas the Durable and Springing types are usually in effect for the duration of the principal’s life, until such time the principal can resume management of their own affairs, or until a new Power of Attorney document is drafted. A General Power of Attorney is most often used for individuals who are traveling but would like to ensure their financial affairs are taken care of while they are gone.

Limited Power of Attorney

A Limited Power of Attorney only allows an agent control over specific interests, often for a very limited time. These documents are sometimes used in real estate sales when the seller is unable to attend the closing. In this example, the agent named in the Power of Attorney can only manage affairs strictly related to that specific closing during a set period.

If you have more questions about the type of Power of Attorney that is right for you, or if you would like to have your current Power of Attorney reviewed by a lawyer, please set up an appointment at our Bay Area estate planning law office by calling (650) 422-3313.