Massachusetts Durable Powers of Attorney

Estate Planning Lawyers Serving Clients Throughout Taunton

With a power of attorney, you are given the option of appointing another person as “attorney-in-fact.” This gives them the power to handle both your financial and non-medical affairs. If you do not have a power of attorney appointed, you will not be allowed to have anyone represent you unless the court officially appoints someone as your conservator or guardian. Not only can this take a great deal of time and money, but the court may not appoint someone you prefer; additionally, your representative may have to seek court permission to take steps that could have otherwise been implemented immediately with a power of attorney.

There are two different kinds of power of attorney available:

• Limited power of attorney gives someone short-term rights. For example, if you need someone who can sign a deed for you while you are out of town, this would be a good option.
• General power of attorney is much more comprehensive, affording the person rights that you personally have.

Why Do I Need a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your property, financial, or medical decisions on your behalf. The individual you select, known as your agent or attorney-in-fact, steps in to act on your behalf when you are unable to do so due to illness, disability, or absence. This person has the legal authority to act as your representative in dealings with third parties.

Here are some reasons why having a Power of Attorney is important:

• Decision-making: The POA allows your attorney-in-fact to make decisions on your behalf, ensuring your affairs are managed according to your wishes even when you cannot do it yourself.
• Avoid court intervention: Without a POA, should you become incapacitated, the court may need to appoint a conservator or guardian to manage your affairs. This process can be time-consuming, expensive and may not result in your preferred person being chosen.
• Financial Management: A general power of attorney provides your agent with the ability to manage and handle your financial affairs, such as paying bills, managing investments, or selling property, even when you are unable to do so.
• Healthcare Decisions: While not covered under a durable power of attorney for finances, a separate healthcare power of attorney allows you to designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf in case you are unable to communicate your wishes.
• Flexibility: You can tailor your POA to suit your needs, specifying what powers your agent has, when the POA will come into effect, and how it will end.

Essential Advice for Your Estate Planning Needs

At Percy Law Group, P.C., our Massachusetts estate planning attorneys have decades of legal experience. We know that drafting a durable power of attorney is not simple; it requires meticulous care, a methodical approach, and a comprehensive understanding of your circumstances and goals. That is why we encourage you to contact our firm as soon as possible. By having our legal team on your side, you can be confident knowing that you have someone in your corner who understands the law and knows how to best implement it on your behalf. We are backed by more than a century of combined experience, and we are ready to help you.

Crafting Durable Power of Attorney in Taunton, MA

If you are currently considering appointing a power of attorney, we encourage you to contact our firm as soon as possible. Although our main office is in Taunton, we have several office locations throughout the state of Massachusetts to make it easy for you to get the help that you need. We understand that this is a complicated matter, and we look forward to helping you find a solution that meets you and your family’s needs. Call (508) 206-9900 today to request a review of your case!