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Helping You Understand The Importance Of Powers Of Attorney

Serious issues can arise when you least expect them. This is why it is so critical that you have all legal preparation taken care of so that your loved ones can take care of you the way you want to be cared for. An experienced lawyer can help you get started and ensure all your needs are addressed.

At The Pendleton Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming it can be to go through the estate planning process. For more than 50 years, our firm has helped people like you in Lincolnton and the surrounding areas with all their estate planning needs, including the creation of powers of attorney documents and designations. Our lawyers and staff are committed to ensuring your assets, legacy and wishes are protected now and in the future.

What Is Power Of Attorney?

A power of attorney document is an estate planning tool that gives the authorization for another person to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated or are otherwise unable to make decisions for yourself. The person you designate to have power of attorney should be a trusted friend or loved one, someone you know will act in your best interests when you cannot do so.

Different Types Of Powers Of Attorney

There are many kinds of powers of attorney that can accomplish different goals and become active at different types. Some of the more common types that we handle for clients are:

  • Durable power of attorney: A durable power of attorney becomes active when you have been medically certified as incapacitated or incompetent. At this time, the person you designated to have power of attorney will make the specified decisions for you, including medical and/or financial decisions. This power of attorney ends when you die.
  • Medical power of attorney: Medical decisions can be made by the person who has medical power of attorney, in the event you cannot make decisions for yourself. This designation is often part of an advanced health care directive, or living will, which dictates how you want to be cared for medically, the terms under which you would want to be kept alive and other medical information.
  • Other types of powers of attorney: General, special (limited), springing and non-durable powers of attorney can also be implemented as part of your estate plan. These are less commonly used, though they can be useful. Our firm can consult with you to determine if one of these types of powers of attorney is appropriate for you and your estate plan.

Get Answers To All Of Your Questions

For more information about powers of attorney or other estate planning tools, get in touch with our firm today. Call our office at 704-666-2368 or send us an email using our online form.