POWER OF ATTORNEY

A document that lets you choose someone to help with your money and stuff.

 
 

Power of Attorney — What Is It and Is It Enough? Click the photo to read the blog.

 
 

A Power of Attorney, or Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), is a paper that lets you pick someone to help with your money and belongings. This person is called your “Attorney in Fact.”

Erica is a lawyer who helps people set up a Durable Power of Attorney to fit their needs.

A Power of Attorney can start in two main ways:

  • Springing: This type only starts working if you can't make decisions anymore. Usually, two doctors or a court have to say you can't make decisions. Then, the person you picked takes over.

  • Immediate: This type starts right away. Some people, especially older ones, might need help with their money even if they can still make decisions. In this case, the person you picked helps right away.

Additionally, Powers of Attorney can be categorized based on their scope of authority:

- General: A “general” Power of Attorney lets the person you choose make all decisions about your money and property. They can handle them just like you would.

- Limited: A “limited” Power of Attorney only lets the person you choose do certain things, like taking care of your bank stuff.

Without a Durable Power of Attorney, if someone can’t make decisions, they might have to go through a long and costly court process. That’s why it’s important to set up a Power of Attorney early.

If you need help with a Power of Attorney in Sudbury, please reach out to us.