A power of attorney is a legal document that empowers another to take binding legal actions on your behalf. It is sometimes referred to as a POA. You become the principal, and your designated individual becomes your agent.
It might be for something simple like empowering someone to represent you at a real estate closing or signing other legal documents on your behalf in another city. It could be more complex and long-lasting, in the case of caring for ageing parents or loved ones
Some sites allow you to do it yourself, but there will be times when you want to engage the services of a reputable power of attorney lawyer.
General Power of Attorney
A general power of attorney gives the person you appoint the right to do anything in law that you can do.
You must be of sound mind when you execute a POA. It stays in effect as long as you are not mentally incapacitated or of an unsound mind. To be legal the power of attorney document must be certified by a local Justice of the Peace. Here are a few tips to obtain legal representation.
In any power of attorney scenario, it is extremely important to choose someone you trust implicitly. Although they are revocable, the amount of damage that can be done by an unscrupulous agent, acting through greed or malice can be devastating.
To fully understand and educate yourself on powers of attorney refer to the Justice of the Peace handbook.
Limited Power of Attorney
A limited power of attorney is used on your behalf for specifically defined events or actions. You lay out the exact scope and limitations of the individual acting as your agent. If there is a decision required that is not specified or laid out in the document, then your agent will not be allowed or authorised to act on your behalf.
Enduring Power of Attorney
An enduring power of attorney can start immediately when it is signed, or when you, as the principal authorise it to take effect.
The power ends when the principal dies or cancels the power of attorney. Although they can be revoked, it is best done with the assistance of competent legal representation. Anyone who has been dealing with your agent should be notified of the revocation and informed if you have appointed a new agent to act on your behalf.
These are most commonly used when setting up long-term care plans for aged or otherwise incapacitated individuals. If you are dealing with this situation, speak to a reputable attorney to find out what your options are to provide legal protection for your loved ones, and to ease the burdens of ageing.
You can appoint a power of attorney by hiring a power of a townsville lawyer, using a do-it-yourself kit or an online service.
While using a do-it-yourself kit or an online service can lower the costs of creating the document, it is not recommended that you do so, without at least consulting a solicitor, and having a full understanding of exactly what is involved.
