Car Accident Lawyer

You’ve probably heard of an executor of a will after someone has passed away, but how it is different from a durable power of attorney? If you’ve created a durable power of attorney, that means you’re putting the responsibility of your future in another’s hands, which is a big deal. It’s essential to understand what they can and cannot do when exercising your power of attorney. Here are some basic guidelines on what it means to create or be a power of attorney.

What It Is

The durable power of attorney is a legal document that declares someone else is allowed to act in your place and make certain decisions for you. This is done specifically when you are still alive. That person can act on your behalf regarding medical, legal and financial matters. The primary difference between a regular power of attorney and a “durable” power of attorney is that one lasts in the case of incapacitation.

What It’s For

The primary purpose of a durable power of attorney is so that someone can represent you after you can no longer make choices yourself. If you become mentally incapable of making these decisions, your power of attorney can still make them for you, but only if they are durable. Under the same circumstances, the power is dissolved if that person is only a regular power of attorney.

Why Establish It

You may be thinking ahead when you establish a durable power of attorney. Thinking about the state of your health is an important consideration. If you’re suffering from a lengthy illness that you know will eventually incapacitate you, a durable power of attorney may be a smart option. Getting in an accident is far less predictable but can have the same consequences, so having a durable power of attorney in place can spare you the worry of who will make important decisions when you no longer can.

Who to Contact

Since a durable power of attorney might become an essential figure in your life down the road, you may want to contact an attorney to make sure everything is in proper order. The last thing you want is to discover a mistake in the legal documents that make your durable power of attorney invalid at the time you need them most. Just making a consultation appointment with a car accident lawyer, like from David & Philpot, PL, can help you decide if a durable power of attorney is necessary.