You, and every person over the age of 18, need two powers of attorney. A power of attorney names a trusted helper to act on your behalf when you are unable to do so yourself. The Financial Power of Attorney The financial power of attorney authorizes your trusted helper to sign your name and conduct business on your behalf should you become incapacitated. Your trusted helper is called an “agent” or “attorney in fact,” depending on state law. It is wise to name a succession of agents in … [Read more...] about You Need Two Powers of Attorney
Financial Power of Attorney
I’m Married; Why Would I Need a Power of Attorney?
Often, married couples sign each other’s names to checks, documents, and birthday cards. According to the old joke, “If he actually signed his name, the bank wouldn’t recognize it.” However, except for the birthday card forging, signing your spouse’s name is illegal. This means, even if you’re married, you need a power of attorney to authorize you and your spouse to sign each other’s names. A power of attorney is a legal document through which you authorize an agent (e.g., your spouse) to … [Read more...] about I’m Married; Why Would I Need a Power of Attorney?
What’s a Power of Attorney?
You’ve, likely, heard the term, “power of attorney.” Powers of attorney are legal documents used to authorize someone else to act on your behalf, in some sort of legal situation. There are financial, health care, real estate, and business powers of attorney. Financial powers of attorney are often called, “General Durable Power of Attorney.” “General” means that the document covers a myriad of situations, mainly financial and personal business oriented. “Durable” means that the power of … [Read more...] about What’s a Power of Attorney?