5 Reason You Need a Power of Attorney

Picture this. Your married and your spouse is on a work trip oversees. Your internet at home stops working and you call the cable company. The investigate and find out the issue is with the wiring. You ask them when the issue will be fixed and they tell you they just need authorization to do the work, nut you can’t give it, because the account is in your spouse’s name and you’re not authorized. This is situation that is more common than most people think. Being married does not give you the legal ability to make decision for you spouse, at least it doesn’t in the United States. Making calls and decisions like this is just one reason why you need a power of attorney. A Recent article form the Sunday Post, “Why do I need Power of Attorney?” outlines five reason that everyone needs to have a power of attorney in place.

1. Your next of kin is powerless without Power of Attorney. Just like being married doesn’t give you the power to make your spouse decision, neither does being someone’s mother, father, grandparent, sibling or any other familial relation. Once you are legally an adult, the only one who can make your decision is you. The only way someone else can get this power is through a guardianship or power of attorney.
2. It allows your wishes to be carried out. A power of attorney allows you to name the person you want to make your decision. This means you can chose someone who will follow your wishes and make the decisions you would have wanted made.
3. Your welfare, wellbeing and finances can be taken care of. As long as you have the correct types of powers of attorney in place, the people you choose can make your financial, medical and even mental health decisions for you. So even if you can’t take care of yourself, you’ll be ok.
4. There are different types of Power of Attorney – you can choose which is best for you. There are powers of attorney that deal with health, finances and even your mental health. There are also powers of attorney that are for limited matters, one that start and stop of specific dates and more. Speaking with an experienced attorney is a great way to determine what types of power of attorney would be most helpful for you.
5. Legal documents can be signed on your behalf – even if you are abroad. As long as the power of attorney you have in place allows it, your agent, the person you chose to be in charge, can sign legal documents for you. This can be very helpful for someone who travels.

Powers of Attorney can be helpful for many reasons. Whether your 18 or 80 a power of attorney is for you.

Reference: Stevenson, D. (2021). The Sunday Post. Why do I need Power of Attorney?. https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/sponsored-why-do-i-need-power-of-attorney/.