Types of Power of Attorney: Securing Your Health and Finances

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Blog Estate Planning

December 2024

You’ve likely heard the term “Power of Attorney” (POA) many times. But do you really need a Power of Attorney? In a world where unexpected situations can arise at any moment, understanding the different types of Power of Attorney—whether for healthcare or financial, decision-making—is important.

A LegalShield Provider Lawyer can help clarify what a POA is, the different types of Power of Attorney, and why a Power of Attorney might be important for you and your loved ones.

Why is a Power of Attorney essential?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows someone else to make decisions on your behalf, acting as your agent for matters such as finances and healthcare. This can be especially important in unexpected situations if you’re unable to manage your affairs or make crucial decisions, such as legal or financial matters or important healthcare issues.

Different types of Power of Attorney

Now that we have discussed the importance of having a POA, it is essential to know the various types available. Each type of POA serves a specific purpose and offers certain levels of authority to your agent.

1. The Limited Power of Attorney

As the name suggests, a Limited POA grants someone the authority to act on your behalf for a specific purpose and for a specified time. This type of POA ends once the task is completed or after a certain date.

Example: An author may use a Limited POA to allow their agent to take care of certain matters for them for a specified time.

2. The General Power of Attorney

A General POA provides a broader scope of authority, enabling someone to handle nearly all your affairs. This type of POA is useful when you need someone to manage your financial matters comprehensively.

Example uses of General POA:

· Collecting debts

· Applying for government benefits

· Managing financial matters

· Buying, selling, or making investments

· Claims and litigation

A General POA can remain in effect until you revoke it or you pass away.

3. The Durable Power of Attorney

A Durable POA remains effective even if you become incapacitated. This type of POA ensures your agent, whether for financial or healthcare, can continue to act on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Example: If you have been diagnosed with a disease that affects mental capacity, a Durable POA would allow your agent to manage your affairs once you are no longer capable.

4. The Springing Power of Attorney

A Springing POA only takes effect upon the occurrence of a specific event. It’s crucial to clearly define what will trigger the POA in this document.

Example: If you become incapacitated, a Springing Power of Attorney can stipulate that your designated agent can act on your behalf.

Durable vs. Non-Durable Power of Attorney

What’s the difference between a Durable and Non-Durable Power of Attorney? The main distinction between them lies in their duration of effectiveness.

· A Durable POA can be active immediately upon signing and remains valid even if you become incapacitated.

· A Non-Durable Power of Attorney gives authority to someone else—your agent—to make decisions for you, but a Non-Durable Power of Attorney ends if you become incapacitated.

Having a POA in place is about more than just legal protection—it’s about peace of mind. By ensuring that your affairs are managed, you can safeguard your future.

Each state has laws governing Powers of Attorney. Some legal service providers offer flat fees, while hiring a private lawyer may be more costly. Our LegalShield personal legal plan lets you get consultation and assistance from a provider law firm including having that firm draft your Power of Attorney at no additional cost.

The next step is ensuring you have the right legal protection in place. The action you take today can bring peace of mind for the future.

Take the next step, reach out to an independent associate to discuss the legal plan options available to you!

Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“PPLSI”) provides access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms to PPLSI members through membership-based participation. Neither PPLSI nor its officers, employees or sales associates directly or indirectly provide legal services, representation, or advice. The information made available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide legal advice, render an opinion, or provide a recommendation as to a specific matter. The blog post is not a substitute for competent legal counsel from a licensed professional lawyer in the state or province where your legal issues exist, and you should seek legal counsel for your specific legal matter. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be a third-party paid contributor. All information by authors is accepted in good faith, however, PPLSI makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information.