Are you going to create a power of attorney (POA) yet you don’t know how to start?

Various situations call for authorizing another person to take care of your finances, real estate, health care, or other affairs as well as make legal decisions on your behalf.

Preparing power-of-attorney documents is not as complex as it seems. Listed here are seven easy steps to help you come up with a proper power-of-attorney document.

1. Decide which type of POA you need.

Your general options are the general and limited powers of attorney. The first type grants an attorney-in-fact an unlimited control over your finances or health care without a predetermined period. In contrast, the second type is limited to only a certain kind of financial responsibility.

2. Be wary of the risks involved in granting another person the power to manage your finances.

Remember, by creating a POA, you authorize your agent to use your name in carrying out his or her tasks such as preparing and filing tax returns, borrowing money from the bank, and collecting your social security benefits. With a POA in his or her hands, your agent can make financial, health care, and other legal decisions on your behalf. That being said, you must educate yourself about the risks as well as the responsibilities involved with a POA before you start the paperwork.

3. Gather the information needed to write the document.

List all the reasons and the scope for granting POA to your agent. You will need these details when you consult with a lawyer who will decide the right type of POA to use in your case. Include all your assets and liabilities in your document. Make sure that your power-of-attorney form properly documents all the necessary information that can guide your agent in making the right legal decisions for you.

4. Talk to a lawyer.

It is recommended that you consult a lawyer to avoid conflicts or hassles in the future. The lawyer can draft the legal document and inform all involved parties about the rights and duties stipulated within. Once the draft is done the lawyer should have you review the document before signing, and after they should keep a copy in case the original is lost or later disputes arise.

5. Sign the document.

All the parties, including at least two independent witnesses, must properly sign the form. The form should also be notarized before it can take effect.

The power of attorney is an indispensable legal document that gives you peace of mind that all your assets are taken care of when you become mentally incapable of making decisions for yourself.

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Richard K. Abraham, Esquire

Mr. Abraham is an experienced attorney and founding member of the Law Firm of Abraham & Bauer. The Towson, MD office of the firm concentrates its practice in Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Guardianship, Asset Preservation and Fiduciary Representation.

He is an active member in a number of professional organizations that focus on law, the senior community, and estate planning. He works with clients in Central Maryland, especially in Towson, Hunt Valley, Lutherville/Timonium, Parkville, White Marsh, Bel Air & Northern Baltimore City.

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