At Heritage Law Office, our experienced attorneys in Wisconsin provide a range of legal services, including estate planning, probate, and elder law. One of the most important documents in any estate plan is a durable power of attorney. In this article, we will explain what a durable power of attorney is, why it's important, and how our attorneys can help you create one.
What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone (called an agent or attorney-in-fact) to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make those decisions yourself. A durable power of attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions.
There are two main types of durable power of attorney: financial and medical. A financial power of attorney allows your agent to manage your finances, pay bills, and make other financial decisions on your behalf. A medical power of attorney allows your agent to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself.
Why is a Durable Power of Attorney Important?
A durable power of attorney is important because it allows someone you trust to make important decisions for you if you are unable to make them yourself. Without a durable power of attorney, your loved ones may have to go through a lengthy and expensive court process to get permission to make decisions on your behalf. This can cause unnecessary stress and delay, and it may not result in the decisions you would have wanted.
Creating a durable power of attorney is an important part of any estate plan. It ensures that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are not burdened with unnecessary stress and expense.
How Can Our Attorneys Help You Create a Durable Power of Attorney?
At Heritage Law Office, our attorneys have extensive experience in creating durable powers of attorney for our clients. We will work with you to understand your unique needs and preferences and to create a document that reflects your wishes.
We will explain the various options available to you, including who to appoint as your agent, what powers to give them, and when the power of attorney should take effect. We will also explain how to revoke or modify the power of attorney if your circumstances change.
We understand that creating a durable power of attorney can be a sensitive and emotional process, but we are committed to making it as easy and stress-free as possible for you. We will be there to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process.
Contact a Durable Power of Attorney Attorney in Green Bay, Wisconsin
If you are considering creating a durable power of attorney, contact our experienced attorneys at Heritage Law Office. We offer a free initial consultation where we can answer your questions and explain your options.
To schedule a consultation, you can contact us either online or at 414-253-8500. Our attorneys are available to meet with you in person at our office in Green Bay, Wisconsin, or we can schedule a remote, phone, or online appointment if that is more convenient for you.
We serve clients throughout Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha, Racine, Appleton, Waukesha, Oshkosh, Eau Claire, Janesville, Mequon, Elm Grove, Fox Point, Bayside, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fitchburg, Brookfield, Waunakee, Cedarburg, and more. Wherever you are located, we can help you create a durable power of attorney that reflects your wishes and protects your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a person (agent or attorney-in-fact) to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This type of Power of Attorney remains active even if you become incapable of making decisions yourself. It covers two main types: financial and medical.
2. Why is a Durable Power of Attorney Important?
A Durable Power of Attorney is crucial as it empowers someone you trust to make significant decisions on your behalf if you're incapacitated. Without it, your loved ones might face a lengthy and costly court process to gain permission to decide on your behalf, causing unnecessary stress and delay, and potentially leading to decisions you wouldn't have preferred.
3. What is the difference between a financial power of attorney and a medical power of attorney?
A financial power of attorney allows your chosen agent to manage your finances, pay bills, and make other monetary decisions on your behalf. Conversely, a medical power of attorney authorizes your agent to make health-related decisions for you when you're unable to do so yourself. Both are components of a Durable Power of Attorney.
4. How do I create a Durable Power of Attorney?
At Heritage Law Office, our experienced attorneys can assist you in creating a Durable Power of Attorney tailored to your specific needs. We will work closely with you to understand your preferences and needs, offering guidance on appointing an agent, deciding the powers they should have, and determining when the Power of Attorney should come into effect.
5. Can a Durable Power of Attorney be revoked or modified?
es, a Durable Power of Attorney can be revoked or altered if your circumstances change. Our attorneys at Heritage Law Office can guide you through the process of revoking or amending your Durable Power of Attorney, ensuring that it always aligns with your current wishes and circumstances.