6 Top Important Facts About A Power Of Attorney

6 top important facts about a power of attorney

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone the authority to act on your behalf. This person is known as your agent or attorney-in-fact. There are different types of POAs, each with its own set of specific powers. It’s important to choose the right type of POA for your needs, otherwise, you could end up limiting what your agent can do for you.

But what happens if you don’t have a POA? Let’s take a look.

How Can A Power of Attorney Help You And Your Loved Ones

A power of attorney is an important and powerful tool that should not be overlooked. Having a power of attorney can provide peace of mind knowing that someone else will be trustworthy enough to act on your behalf when you are unable to make decisions or otherwise act independently.

This form of assistance from a power of attorney can be invaluable for families, so it’s important to consider what provisions you would want in place for yourself and/or your loved ones as soon as possible.

A power of attorney document can help protect your rights and interests, as well as those of your family, in cases such as business transactions, managing personal matters, or investments during times when you’re not able to do so yourself.

For elderly loved ones, a power of attorney document may also ensure that their financial and healthcare-related affairs are managed faithfully according to their wishes even if they become unable to direct such a process themselves.

It’s essential for individuals and families everywhere to be familiar with the power of attorney document, so that they may plan and provide the most security possible when it comes to decision-making.

Power of Attorney

What are the Different Types of Powers of Attorney

There are several different types of power of attorney, each with its purpose and limitations.

general power of attorney gives another person broad rights to handle a variety of matters for you, such as property transactions or finances.

medical power of attorney gives legal permission for a healthcare representative to make medical decisions on behalf of the person seeking the power of attorney if they become incapacitated.

durable power of attorney is an individual’s legal authority to manage their property and finances on their behalf, which will remain in effect even if the person becomes incapacitated. This power of attorney document also specifies who will make medical decisions, such as deciding on care options or making end-of-life decisions when necessary.

Making these arrangements ahead of time can provide peace of mind and help spare family members from difficult decisions during times of crisis. It is a useful tool for not only those with aging elders in the family, but anyone who wishes to have their affairs managed should they become unable to do so themselves.

Finally, the limited power of attorney only provides someone with explicit direction on how to manage several specific tasks for you – exactly what those tasks are will depend on what is stated in the document itself.

6 top important facts about a power of attorney

How to Choose the Right Type of Power of Attorney

When considering power of attorney, it is important to have a good understanding of your options in order to make the best decision.

Power of attorney is a legal document that grants an individual power to act on behalf of another person, so it is necessary to be familiar with the different types available and the circumstances in which they are used.

There are two primary types – general power of attorney and special power or attorney; a general power gives broad authority while a special power has more specific requirements.

Depending on your needs, you may need to combine powers or select a single power type. Before selecting the right power of attorney for you, research all available options and understand if applicable laws limit powers or not.

You should determine who you want as your power of attorney agent – such as a trusted family member or friend – and discuss all concerns prior to signing any document.

Knowing how to choose the right power of attorney will give you peace of mind in knowing that your best interests are taken care of when needed.

Can a Power of Attorney Change a Will?

Powers of attorney are extremely versatile and powerful legal documents that enable someone to grant another person the power to make financial, legal, and medical decisions on their behalf.

When it comes to changing a will, the power of attorney can perform certain tasks such as appointing guardians and nominating executors, different outside parties who would manage the estate in the event of death.

However, power of attorney does not provide permission for an agent to actually change a will either for themselves or for others; any changes must be made by the individual with power of attorney before their death.

It is important to understand these details when granting power of attorney to someone so that you know what limitations could exist in terms of one’s own wishes and end-of-life affairs.

What Happens if You Don’t Have a Power of Attorney?

When it comes to managing your finances and making medical decisions, power of attorney (POA) is essential.

Without having a power of attorney in place, individuals may become vulnerable to exploitation and financial abuse by others.

POA grants power to an individual to make decisions if an individual is no longer able to do so due to illness, incapacity, or death.

Without POA in place, family members are unable to access necessary information or act on behalf of the affected person.

In legal terms, this lack of power means that major decisions which would normally be handled through POA must be granted through a court order.

Such circumstances can add unnecessary costs and time delays in already difficult times.

Being proactive and considering power of attorney arrangements now allows individuals peace of mind at important future points.

6 top important facts about a power of attorney

Is a Power of Attorney Valid After Death?

While power of attorney (POA) is a powerful and useful tool for managing financial and health care affairs when a person is alive, it does not remain valid after the person’s death.

Depending on the terms of the POA document and the state laws governing power of attorney, POA may be revoked or expire upon death.

In many cases, an executor or personal representative must be appointed by a probate court to manage any remaining assets or liabilities after death — meaning power of attorney becomes irrelevant once its holder has passed away.

Final Thoughts:

While it can be daunting to consider, understanding the different types of power of attorney available and the laws governing them will help you make an informed decision that fits your individual needs.

Knowing how to choose the right power of attorney for you gives you peace of mind in knowing that your best interests are taken care of when needed.

By considering power of attorney now,  you can ensure that your wishes are followed in all circumstances — both during life and after death.

With proper preparation, you can rest assured knowing that your best interests are protected.

The information provided in this article is not intended to provide legal advice—please consult with an attorney or other qualified professional for more detailed guidance.


Are you ready to get started? If you would like more information, or if you need a reference for an experienced attorney.  Please feel free to contact me

We’re committed to helping our clients understand the importance of power of attorney so that they can make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

A bit about me, my name is Maria Mastrolonardo I am a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist who specializes in helping families in Naperville, IL, and surrounding areas, navigate the probate process.  

I will guide you through every step of the way, and I have the experience and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Contact me today at (630) 248-6077 or email to learn more about how I can help you during this difficult time.

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