Professional Help To Handle Your Affairs

---

 There are many ways to plan for the future with consideration to making important decisions relating to proper health care, financial and tax matters, and preparing one’s estate.

In some instances, it may become necessary to appoint a trusted person to act on your behalf when it comes to certain life matters like those listed above. This is called a power of attorney. Essentially, a person (the principal) authorizes another individual (the agent) to make decisions and act on their behalf when they cannot.

In most instances, the principal is unable to make important decisions due to old age, serious illness, mental decline, or some other reason that has left the person incapacitated.

This could include handling contracts, managing property, handling financial and tax matters, and overseeing housing or matters related to health care.

Take a moment to consider these three important questions.

• Do you know what it means to have a power of attorney?
• Do you know what a power of attorney can do?
• Do you need assistance with creating a power of attorney to handle your estate?

At Vinsko & Associates, P.C., our power of attorney lawyers in Wilkes-Barre can help you to:

• Understand the legal process of having a power of attorney
• Determine if having a power of attorney is right for you
• Prepare a power of attorney to handle your estate

Get in touch with our experienced attorneys for a free consultation. Keep reading to learn more about what it means to have a power of attorney created to act on your behalf.

A power of attorney is used for specific reasons and purposes. It grants the power you have over your own personal and/or financial affairs to an agent whom you choose. That agent has clear and legal responsibilities and must understand that he or she cannot abuse that right or privilege but must act solely in your best interest.

We feel it is important to understand the “whys” and “hows” of a power of attorney so that you can make informed decisions about such important issues.

Regarding medical concerns, a power of attorney can decide which doctor the individual should use as well as make decisions about hospital care, surgery, or even assisted living or nursing care.

Regarding financial matters, a power of attorney has access to the principal’s financial accounts to make necessary payments for things like housing and bills. The agent can also file taxes, make investments, collect debts and manage the property of the principal.

However, the power of attorney does not grant total control to the agent. There are certain limitations. For example, the agent cannot change the will of the principal. The agent can’t make decisions that are not in the best interest of the principal. The agent can’t make decisions for the principal after their death. Also, the agent can’t transfer the power of attorney document and authority to anyone else.

It is important to note that not everyone needs a power of attorney. That’s why our estate planning lawyers in Wilkes-Barre are available to sit with you and explain the benefits, drawbacks, options, and requirements associated with having a power of attorney created to make important decisions when you cannot.

If you have questions about creating a power of attorney to act on your behalf when you are incapacitated, then please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Call us now at 570-970-9700.