When planning for the future, many people focus on creating a will or trust to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes. However, one important aspect of estate planning often overlooked is the power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone else to act on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so. Here are some benefits of having a power of attorney and why you should consider creating one with the help of Mestayer Law Firm, PLLC.
Ensuring Your Wishes are Followed
A power of attorney can give you peace of mind, knowing that your affairs will be handled according to your wishes if you become incapacitated. With a power of attorney in place, you can appoint a trusted family member, friend or attorney to make important decisions on your behalf, such as managing your finances, paying bills and making healthcare decisions.
Avoiding Court Proceedings
If you do not have a power of attorney and become incapacitated, your family may need to go through a court process known as guardianship or conservatorship to be granted the legal authority to manage your affairs. This process can be expensive and time-consuming, and it can also be emotionally draining for your loved ones. By having a power of attorney in place, you can avoid this process altogether.
Controlling Who Makes Decisions
With a power of attorney, you can choose who will make decisions on your behalf. You can select someone you trust and who knows your values and preferences. This is particularly important when it comes to healthcare decisions, as you want to make sure that your wishes are followed if you are unable to make them yourself.
Keeping Your Affairs Private
When court proceedings are necessary, they become a matter of public record. By having a power of attorney, you can keep your personal affairs private, as only those who need to know will have access to the information.
Flexibility
A power of attorney can be tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. You can choose the extent of the powers you grant to your agent and when they are effective. For example, you may only want the power of attorney to become effective if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions.
At Mestayer Law Firm, PLLC, we understand that creating a power of attorney can be a difficult decision, but we are here to guide you through the process. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your options and create a power of attorney that meets your needs and protects your interests.
We are committed to providing our clients personalized attention and high-quality legal services. We will work with you to create an estate plan that meets your unique needs and helps ensure your wishes are followed.
In conclusion, a power of attorney is an essential part of estate planning that can provide peace of mind and protection in the event of incapacity. With a power of attorney, you can control who makes important decisions on your behalf and avoid the need for court proceedings. At Mestayer Law Firm, PLLC, we help you create a power of attorney that meets your needs and protects your interests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
This article does not create an attorney-client relationship. I am licensed to practice law in Mississippi and have based the information presented on US laws. This article is legal information and is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be seen as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before you rely on this information. Any information provided in this blog is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge, but that there may be omissions, errors or mistakes.