POWER OF ATTORNEY

Life is a series of choices, but what would happen in the event that you were no longer able to make those decisions on your own? Many individuals choose to grant an agent, i.e. a child or spouse, power of attorney (POA) for this very reason. Electing a power of attorney to someone you trust ensures that you are well taken care of. Your agent will prevent you from being mistreated or subjected to situations you would not have chosen for yourself. Often, an agent such as this will assist you in your later years, but there are numerous other instances where a helping hand may be beneficial.

FREQUENTLY USED TYPES OF POWER OF ATTORNEY

General POA allows an individual or organization to make a broad variety of decisions on your behalf. Typically, a general power of attorney is necessary when you are out of the country or physically or mentally incapable of handling your own affairs. Financial investments, life insurance purchases, claim settlements and business operating decisions are simply a handful of matters an agent with general power of attorney may coordinate on your behalf.

Special POA gives you the authority to specify exactly what matters your agent of choice may handle. Individuals routinely find a special power of attorney useful when selling real estate, collecting debt and handling business interests.

Healthcare POA permits an agent to navigate your medical care dilemmas if you are unconscious, mentally incompetent or otherwise unable. However, you may spell out your desired wishes ahead of time in a living will or an advance healthcare directive. For more information, see Living Trusts and Wills.

Springing POA is only valid after you become incapacitated.

Durable POA takes effect immediately and ensures that your agent may continue to act in your interest for the remainder of your life. Thus, it is an essential aspect of proper estate planning.

DANGERS OF HANDING OVER LEGAL CONTROL

Granting an inappropriate type of power of attorney or issuing POA with unclear documentation can place you at great risk. When you grant someone general power of attorney, for instance, that person then has the ability to borrow money, access your bank accounts, sell your personal property, purchase real estate and enter into legal contracts under your name. Therefore, it is unwise to hand over legal control without the knowledge and expertise of a trained attorney.

HOW TO BEST MANAGE POWER OF ATTORNEY

Although there are several types of power of attorney, they all ultimately serve the same purpose: providing you with reliable care and protection. It is your agent’s responsibility to maintain accurate records of all transactions and keep you (or an agreed upon third party) informed at all times. That being said, these are a handful of things you should consider in order to ensure you are best represented:

• Decide if those you grant legal power to must act together or if they may operate independently.

• Elect an agent to possess a backup power of attorney in case your first choice is unable to fulfill his or her duties for any reason.

• Have a doctor verify your mental capacity in writing if it may be questioned.

• If at any time you wish to revoke legal control, notify your agent in writing, retrieve all documents which originally granted power to the agent and contact the County Clerk’s office, as well as all financial institutions, regarding your decision.

The need for power of attorney is almost an inevitable part of everyone’s life. Therefore, it is best to secure an agent to act on your behalf before one is absolutely needed. I realize these decisions can be difficult and that it can be worrisome to ponder the idea of handing over control. However, I can assure you that I am here to help you through every step of the way. For 42 years, the Chula Vista community has relied on me to share advice about the powers granted, to provide counsel on their candidates and to make sure that all written records meet the necessary legal requirements. I would be honored to walk the same journey toward care and protection with you.