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Estate Planning · Powers of Attorney
Powers of attorney and health care directives name the people you trust to manage your finances and make medical decisions during an illness or injury, so your family isn’t left asking a court for permission.
The documents
| Document | What it covers | Who acts |
|---|---|---|
| Financial (durable) power of attorney | Banking, bills, property, taxes, and other financial matters | Your agent (attorney-in-fact) |
| Health care power of attorney | Medical decisions when you cannot make or communicate them | Your health care agent |
| Living will | Your wishes about life-sustaining treatment if you are in a terminal condition | Followed by your doctors and health care agent |
| HIPAA authorization | Lets named people receive your medical information | The people you name |
Names and requirements vary by state. We prepare documents that meet the requirements of the state where you live.
Why it matters
If you become unable to manage your affairs without these documents, your family may need to ask a court to appoint a guardian or conservator. That process takes time, costs money, and puts decisions in a judge’s hands. Powers of attorney let you choose your decision-makers in advance.
Choosing your agents
01
To understand your family and wishes.
02
Including who will serve, what authority they have, and when it begins.
03
Under your state’s requirements.
04
With the witnesses and notary required.
05
After major life changes, a move to another state, or if an agent can no longer serve.
Powers of attorney FAQ
General information only. Schedule a free consultation for advice about your situation.
It depends on how the document is written. Some take effect when signed; others take effect only if you become incapacitated. We’ll explain the options.
Yes. You can grant authority for specific tasks, such as managing one account or selling a particular property.
Yes. After death, your will or trust and your executor or successor trustee take over.
A living will states your wishes about medical treatment. A trust holds and manages property. Most complete plans include both kinds of documents.
Often they are, but requirements differ by state. If you have moved, have your documents reviewed.
Related
Name who receives your property and who you’d nominate to raise your children.
Avoid probate, plan for incapacity, and control how your family inherits.
Planning for long-term care, Medicaid, and aging with dignity.
Free resources
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Short classes on estate planning, long-term care, probate, and trust administration, presented by Pearson Bollman Law attorneys.
Free guide
A free guide to help you organize your information and prepare for a conversation about your plan.
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Whether you’re creating an estate plan for the first time or updating documents that no longer reflect your life, Pearson Bollman Law is here to provide clear guidance every step of the way. Your initial consultation is free.
