Eventually everyone will face the end of their life. Many people feel uncomfortable planning for illness or old age, but planning today will insure that your needs are met and your wishes are carried out in the future. Texas law provides many options for creating the perfect plan for your future. One of these options is a Power of Attorney.
A durable Power of Attorney gives another person the power to engage in certain transactions for you. This person is called your agent. For example, your agent may sell or buy property for you, pay your rent, authorize the sale of your stocks, sue on your behalf or defend lawsuits against you, or take care of other routine business for you.
These powers are called “durable” because they survive throughout your disability. You can choose to have the Power of Attorney become effective if and when you become incapacitated, and it will last for the duration of your incapacitation. However, some events will terminate the Power of Attorney. For example, if you die or if you revoke the Power of Attorney, they will terminate.
Since the person you select has so much power over your affairs, it’s important to choose someone you trust, and who is mature and savvy enough to handle your finances. Many people choose their adult child or spouse to be their agent. If you choose your spouse and you later get divorced, the Power of Attorney will terminate. You may choose to limit what transactions your agent can engage in as well.
Some individuals may choose to set up a Medical Power of Attorney. This will document will authorize an individual to make medical decisions on behalf of someone else. This is used if you want to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions for you, given the situation that you are unable to do so yourself.
By taking the time to make advance directives and medical powers of attorney, your medical providers and family members will be familiar with terms of your health care desires in the event you are not capable of making these decisions. These documents can eliminate difficult burdens for your loved ones because they will make apparent your health care wishes.
If you are interested in creating a Power of Attorney, or have questions about your rights as an agent under an existing Power of Attorney, you should speak with one of our Fort Worth Family Attorneys today. Planning for old age or disability is essential. The peace of mind that comes with careful planning is priceless. The civl lawyers at Pat White, are ready to answer your questions and help insure that your needs are met at the end of your life. We serve clients in the Fort Worth area, including or surrounding areas including Benbrook, Lake Worth, Eagle Mountain, Saginaw, Blue Mound, Weatherford, Azle, Granbury, Aledo or White Settlement Please contact us today to speak with one of our attorneys.
