Powers of Attorney
An important part of life planning is having a Durable Power of Attorney and Power of Attorney for Healthcare documents prepared. These documents protect you and your loved ones in case you are suddenly impaired by a life-threatening accident, illness, or other incapacitation.
A power of attorney is a document that allows you to appoint a person (usually your partner, a relative or friend) to handle your affairs while you are unavailable or unable to do so. The person or organization you appoint is referred to as an "Attorney-in-Fact" or "Agent."
Durable Powers of Attorney - authorizes your Agent to act on your behalf in a variety of different situations to ensure that important aspects of your life can be addressed.
Health Care Power of Attorney – authorizes your Agent to collect medical information and make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so.
Special Power of Attorney - authorizes your Agent to act on your behalf in specific situations only.
Revocation of Power of Attorney - allows you to revoke a Tennessee power of attorney document. It is important to formally revoke a Power of Attorney if you no longer want the designated party to make these important decisions for you.
General Power of Attorney
A general power of attorney is very broad and provides extensive powers to the person or organization you appoint as your agent. These powers usually include:
- Handling banking transactions
- Entering safety deposit boxes
- Handling transactions involving U.S. securities
- Buying and selling property
- Settling claims and lawsuits
- Entering into contracts
- Buying, managing or selling real estate
- Filing tax returns
- Handling matters related to government benefits
These documents should be drafted by a skilled West Tennessee Power of Attorney lawyer, to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and to be as specific as possible as to the powers granted.
In order to protect your family and your estate should the worst happen, contact Memphis area Power of Attorney expert Susan Mackenzie.