Financial Power Of Attorney
A FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY is a document in which you appoint and authorize a person, called your agent, to handle your financial affairs. A durable power of attorney means that it will continue to be effective even if you become incapacitated. You are still able to handle your own affairs when you have signed a power of attorney, but this allows another person, that you chose, to have the authority to act on your behalf. A power of attorney will allow someone to handle your financial affairs if you are unavailable or if you would like assistance. In selecting an agent, you need to make sure to choose someone that you can trust, and that your agent understands your values, priorities and estate plan.
Medical Power of Attorney
A MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY is a document in which you appoint and authorize another person, called your agent, to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. If you are unable to make decisions or communicate effectively with your doctors or treatment providers, then your agent will make decisions and give directions on your behalf.
Advanced Directive (Living Will)
An ADVANCED DIRECTIVE, sometimes called a LIVING WILL, is a document in which you indicate how long you would like to receive artificial life support or artificial nourishment should you suffer an injury or medical condition that causes you to be in a terminal condition or a persistent vegetative state. If you are unable to convey directions to your doctors or treatment providers this document provides your instructions to them. You can specify how long you would like to continue life support and artificial nourishment or whether want them to discontinue use. This document takes the pressure off of those close to you and your agent under the medical power of attorney from having to determine what you would want.
Disposition of Last Remains
A DISPOSITION OF LAST REMAINS allows you to establish directions after your death. You are able to indicate if you would like to be buried or cremated, and what your choices are for a funeral or memorial service. It allows you to specify the type of service you would like.
The Importance of a Good Estate Plan
A GOOD ESTATE PLAN should include a will or trust, a durable financial power of attorney, a medical power of attorney and advanced directives. As people are living longer, there is a greater chance that a person may become incapacitated. Planning for incapacity is just as important as planning for how you would like your estate handled after your death. An estate plan allows you to designate who you want making decisions on your behalf and the care you wish to receive. An attorney can explain the different options and choices that you need to make and give advice about the impact of different decisions you may make. An attorney should not be a person that sells documents but rather a person that helps you to understand the law as it applies to your situation and family. At Werth Law we are here to help you understand and make the right choices in matters important to you and your family.