Durable Power of Attorney – A Brief Overview

Durable Power of Attorney is an important document to consider when planning one's estate. The purpose of Durable Power of Attorney is to identify the person you'd like making decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated in the future. Not only will the person you designate in the Durable Power of Attorney have the authority to make legal decisions on your behalf, but he or she will also be able to sign documents in your name as well.

There are two main reasons why it's valuable to have a Durable Power of Attorney included in your estate plan. First, the person you designate in your document will have the power to make all of your medical and health care-related decisions. Without this document in place, the court will appoint a conservator or guardian on your behalf, ultimately taking control away from you. When it comes to something as important as your medical care, do you really want the court making that decision for you?

The other reason it's in your best interest to designate Durable Power of Attorney is to ensure your property is protected. Again, if you fail to appoint someone in a Durable Power of Attorney document, the court will appoint someone for you. Many people like being able to choose the person that will be responsible for managing their money, business assets, debts, investments, or any other financial matters in the event they become ill or incapacitated.

If you are interested in learning more about Durable Power of Attorney, please do not hesitate to contact a California estate planning lawyer at Claery & Green today by calling (877) 756-4111.