When you think estate planning, you most likely think it is all about creating a will and other documents essential for your loved ones after your death. Having a clear plan for what happens when you die can make going through grief easier for your family. However, there are documents you can create as part of your estate plan that benefit both you and your family before and after death, and an estate lawyer, like from Yee Law Group, can help. Become familiar with why durable power of attorney documents need to be part of your estate plan.
It Gives You the Choice
If you have ever had to appoint a power of attorney, it was probably to fill a role or perform a function that you could not at the time. A power of attorney is a document that designates a person you choose to perform a specific task or action on your behalf. For example, if you are purchasing a home but cannot attend the closing, you may appoint a person to sign the documents for you. Once the closing is done, that power of attorney is no longer valid. However, when estate planning, you want to create durable power of attorney designations. This allows you to choose the people who best represent your wishes should you be unable to speak for yourself. The person or persons you choose should adhere to the desires you have laid out in your living will and financial papers.
It Takes Care of Your Money and Bills
A financial power of attorney allows you to appoint a representative to take charge of all your finances in the event you can no longer take care of things. For instance, if you are in a car accident and rendered unconscious, the financial power of attorney will trigger and stay in place only until you are fully able to take back the responsibilities. Having this type of document prepared in advance allows you to appoint a person who will look out for your best interests.
It Makes Choices for Medical Care
A medical directive or power of attorney gives your representative the ability to make end-of-life decisions for you. This may include things such as:
- Continued life support
- Entry into hospice care
- Transfer into rehabilitative services
When you pick a person who will make these decisions, you want to ensure it is someone who will follow your living will.
Having people set up in advance to care for you when you no longer can ease the emotional turmoil the unexpected takes on loved ones. An estate planning lawyer knows how to create a plan that works for you.