If I Sign a Power of Attorney, What Does That Mean Exactly?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives certain powers to someone you appoint to act on your behalf. The Power of Attorney will specifically lay out the powers that are given to the person whom you appoint. There are two types of power of attorneys that you can sign. A Healthcare Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you. A Durable Power of Attorney will appoint someone to handle everything else for you, including making deposits, paying bills, filling out insurance paperwork, etc. Signing a Power of Attorney ensures that someone you trust will manage your financial affairs and make healthcare decisions in the event that you are not able to do so for yourself. A Power of Attorney is especially important if you have health problems that you foresee affecting your ability to handle matters for yourself in the future.
It is also important to note that you are able to revoke the Power of Attorney at any given time. If you revoke the Power of Attorney, this means you are able to take away all of the authority that was granted by the Power of Attorney. Also, the Power of Attorney is only effective while you are still living. Upon your death, the Power of Attorney becomes void and is no longer effective.
If you have any further questions about a Power of Attorney or if you need one drawn up, contact Angel Kane at Kane & Crowell Family Law Center at www.kane-law.com or by phone at (615) 784-4800.
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Family Law, Kane Law, Power of Attorney
