A Power of Attorney is a legal appointment of another person to be able to act on your behalf. The power is limited to financial and legal documents. Decisions of a medical nature or about the kind of care you receive are handled by other means. There are many reasons to appoint an attorney to act on your behalf, such as if you are often away and need someone to sign documents for you while you are out of town. The main reason that people appoint an attorney is to sign for them when they become incapacitated. If you become incapacitated, and do not have an attorney appointed, someone may have to apply to court for a type of adult guardianship called “Commiteeship” before property could be sold, mortgages renewed, or bills paid.
The appointment of an attorney should be approached with care and thought. Your attorney has the same ability to sell your property, close your bank accounts and change addresses that you do. There is potential for abuse of the appointment. You should only appoint someone in whom you have complete faith.
Dale can prepare a Power of Attorney that meets your needs, is legal and is acceptable at banks, Land Title offices, insurance companies and government offices.
For fees for Wills, Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements and Notarizations, click here.