Choosing a power of attorney is an important part of the estate planning process. Because there’s so much at stake, it’s vital that you choose someone you trust. In order to decide and navigate the legal system that helps solidify that decision, a Mesa power of attorney lawyer can help make the process easier.
With 25 years of experience, we understand the power of attorney process in-depth. After working on multiple power of attorney cases, we’ve seen a wide variety of situations that will help us tailor our legal advice and assistance to your unique situation.
We are committed to serving our clients with informed legal advice and focused attention. A poll of over 2,500 adults in the country found that approximately 50% of the respondents didn’t have any estate planning documents. The reasoning for 43% of them was that they hadn’t gotten around to it.
We understand that the idea of needing a power of attorney can be an unpleasant thought, and we’re here to help you prepare for the future with support and compassion.
A power of attorney (POA) is a document that appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so for yourself. That person is referred to as an agent, who is someone you trust. People usually utilize the power of attorney not just if they’ve become incapacitated, but if they’re out of town on business for a long period or otherwise unable to make those decisions.
The agent must be an adult, at least 18 years of age, and someone trustworthy, organized, and able to think clearly. While it’s possible to allow two people to be co-agents, matters can quickly become complicated in these cases, so it’s usually advisable to choose one.
A power of attorney grants the agent the ability to make decisions on your behalf. The decisions could be about:
This list is only the beginning, but you can clarify which decisions the power of attorney authorizes. With the help of a power of attorney lawyer, you can determine what matters to you and perhaps who might be suited for the job.
As you move toward making power of attorney decisions, it’s important to understand what types of POAs there are in Mesa, Arizona. Generally, there are four options:
An experienced power of attorney lawyer will listen carefully to your goals and wishes and be able to advise you on which type would be ideal for your situation.
The most effective power of attorney lawyer has in-depth experience with estate planning and power of attorney laws in Mesa. Because they can focus on all aspects of preparation, from financial to healthcare, a power of attorney lawyer can advise you on the options that might be right for you.
A skilled power of attorney lawyer can help you:
Having an attorney on your side who understands the ins and outs of creating a power of attorney can make the entire experience less stressful.
How much lawyers in Mesa charge for a power of attorney varies depending on the complexity of the document and the lawyer’s reputation. Some lawyers charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour, especially if the case is particularly complicated. Factors that make it complicated could be large real estate holdings, a business, or granting very specific powers to the agent. The cost depends on your unique situation. Speak to a lawyer for a better idea.
A power of attorney is a legal document granting someone, the agent, authority to make decisions on behalf of someone else, the principal. These decisions can be related to healthcare, finances, and/or business. Establishing a power of attorney can help ensure that these important decisions are left in the hands of someone you trust without the need for court intervention. The agent will be responsible for making decisions the way a reasonable person might.
For a power of attorney, the appropriate type of lawyer would be an estate planning lawyer. They usually have experience with powers of attorney documents and understand how to manage your wealth and assets, including how to plan if you are incapacitated. A lawyer can help align your financial and personal goals as you plan a power of attorney in a way that can also be outlined in your will or trust.
Choosing the ideal person to give power of attorney is an important decision to make. The person you choose must be over 18, and can even be an attorney or financial institution. The most important thing to consider when deciding who will make decisions on your behalf is choosing someone you can trust. It might be wise to choose someone with experience making certain decisions, like a doctor for healthcare decisions or an accountant for finance decisions.
Our law firm has been serving clients in Mesa, Arizona, for over 25 years. We have a passion for helping clients create peace of mind. Choosing a power of attorney you can trust is an important part of that. We are ready and willing to guide you through the process.
Contact CDM Law Firm today and schedule a free consultation.