When a person begins the process of estate planning, they will have to consider more than just what happens after they pass away. You may also want to consider appointing a person to make decisions for you in the event that you become incapacitated and can no longer make important decisions on your own. While estate planning, you should be sure to appoint someone the durable power of attorney who can make decisions on your behalf.
A durable power of attorney is the person who makes important choices regarding your health, among other things, if something happens that would make it so you are no longer able to make these decisions for yourself. A power of attorney is only valid during the course of your life. This person is not permitted to make decisions regarding you after you pass away. Appointing a durable power of attorney does not have any impact on any estate planning that you have done. Any decisions that they make will not change your will.
There are a number of different factors that a power of attorney is permitted to make decisions about and do for you. They can pay your bills, obtain access to medical records, file insurance claims regarding your medical health, hire people to assist in taking care of you in your debilitated state, sell property, handle your bank accounts, file taxes, and more.
It is important to really consider who you decide to appoint as your power of attorney. You should appoint someone who is responsible and always has your best interest at heart. You should make sure this person will not take advantage of having access to your bank accounts. If you have questions about appointing someone a power of attorney, you should speak with an experienced estate planning attorney who can provide you with assistance.
If you need the dedicated legal representation for wills, trusts, and estate matters in California, contact the Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman to schedule a consultation.
