FAQs about Power of Attorney
What is a Power of Attorney?
This document grants another person full legal authority to act on their behalf should they become unable to handle their personal and financial affairs. Without it, the Court may have to become involved through costly legal proceedings in order to appoint a person to handle all legal affairs.
How is a Power of Attorney different from a Health Care Directive?
A Power of Attorney gives a person the authority to make financial and other decisions for you, in the event you are unable. A Health Care Directive gives a person the authority to make medical decisions for you, in the event you are unable.
How is a Power of Attorney different from a will?
A Power of Attorney gives a person the authority to make financial and other personal business decisions for you pre-death. A Power of Attorney becomes inoperative once you die. After you die, your will becomes the primary document which expresses your wishes and your Personal Representative will take care of the handling of your estate, not your Power of Attorney.
