Creating a Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a crucial legal document and an important part of your estate planning. This document allows you to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so.
In Pennsylvania, a POA is not just a good idea. It is essential for ensuring that your financial, medical and legal affairs are all in order and managed according to your wishes.
Why you need a Power of Attorney
In short: because life is unpredictable and certain situations can leave you incapacitated and unable to make critical decisions, so a POA ensures someone else does.
If you do not have a POA and have an accident, face an illness or become incapacitated, your loved ones and family members will face significant challenges trying to put the pieces together.
When there is no Power of Attorney, the court usually appoints someone to do the work, like accessing your finances and making important choices, like healthcare decisions.
How you create a Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania
Every state has its own unique requirements to create a POA and for it to be valid. It is important to consider both at the time when you create one and designate your person, named an agent.
- Choose your Agent
- Specify the scope (how much authority you want to give them)
- Draft the document (an Attorney can do this for you)
- Sign in the presence of a Notary Public, with two witnesses present.
- Distribute copies of the POA to the Agent, Healthcare Providers, your bank, etc.
Your Power of Attorney is a critical piece of the big picture when it comes to protecting your legacy. Nobody knows what tomorrow brings, which is why having a POA is so important.
After all, if something happens to you, you probably would have preferences about where to live, who can care for you and more. Don’t wait until it’s too late– consider establishing a Power of Attorney today.