Signing a Power of Attorney

What does signing a Power of Attorney mean?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document giving certain powers to someone you appoint to act on your behalf. This document will specifically lay out the powers given to the person you appoint. Before signing a Power of Attorney, you must know there are two types of power of attorney 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, such as making deposits, paying bills, filling out insurance paperwork, etc.  Signing a POA ensures that someone you trust will manage your financial affairs and make healthcare decisions if you cannot do so for yourself. Preparing this legal document is vital if you foresee health problems affecting your ability to handle matters for yourself in the future.  

It is also important to note that you can revoke the Power of Attorney at any time. Revoking the POA means you can remove all the authority granted to 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 need one drawn up, contact Angel Kane at Kane & Crowell Family Law Center. She can be reached at www.kane-law.com or (615) 784-4800.