Another important document that is oftentimes overlooked is the Durable Power of Attorney (POA). There are two types of POA’s—a financial power of attorney and a healthcare power of attorney. If you become disabled or otherwise incapacitated and can no longer make decisions for yourself, your Financial Power of Attorney (or “Attorney in Fact”) can step in and help with bills, banking, and other everyday life problems. Without this document, your family may need to establish a full guardianship for you, which is time-consuming and expensive; this is a document that once you need it (when you are disabled or mentally incapacitated), you can’t always grant it. So it is important to have this in place “just in case”.
The Healthcare Power of Attorney is similar but is more specific. Your Attorney in Fact for healthcare is there to speak for you regarding your health care needs when you can’t, or when you need an extra advocate. It is another document that is important to have “just in case”.
I can help you with all of these, and more. I offer free in-home conversations to go over your needs and I will quote you a reasonable flat fee for all work involved. I strive to keep my fees economical to help every family be prepared for the bumps in the road. Feel free to contact me to set up an appointment!