A Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania (POA) is a legal document through which the person you choose can manage your finances and possessions (“property”) or your health and well-being (“person”). Sometimes you will hear these documents referred to as a Living Will or Healthcare Power of Attorney, and a Financial Power of Attorney.
Difference Between a Will and a Power of Attorney
The difference between a Will and a Power of Attorney is that a Will impacts your property after you pass away. A Power of Attorney is effective during your lifetime. All of these documents are important. A POA protects you during your lifetime. A Will protects your loved ones once you are gone.
Your Pennsylvania POA is Specific to You
Like all testamentary documents, a Power of Attorney needs to fit your specific needs and goals. POAs provide different kinds of protections based on what is best for you. A POA can be very broad covering things such as health care and finances, or very narrow, providing limited authority under a specific condition. You have your own needs, so the best way to find out what is right for you is not by checking off a box. Instead, have a personal conversation with an experienced attorney who listens to you and understands your needs and concerns.
Purpose of Powers of Attorney
Two of the main functions of a Power of Attorney are to protect your property (financial) and your well-being (health). Sometimes, both financial and health-care POAs are in the same document. It is frequently better to have separate documents though. Having both the health care and financial Powers of attorney as separate documents provides you with the flexibility to have one person speak with your doctor and a different person pay your bills. Additionally, separating the two functions provides you with greater protection for both your well-being and your finances. Have appropriate Powers of Attorney assures you and your loved ones that should an unforeseen, or even a planned, event occur, you will be protected.
Why Do You Want a Power of Attorney?
Every person is different, and so are the reasons people want POAs. Your POA should represent what is important to you. You might want a Power of Attorney in case you become ill or incapacitated. Or you might want one to make sure someone can pay your bills. You may even plan on traveling and want to make sure someone can handle your finances for you while you are away on vacation. Because people are different, their documents should be different. What Powers of Attorney are supposed to have in common is that they are based on the individual’s – on your – your choices.
Contact Kim for your Pennsylvania Powers of Attorney
Whether you need a living will or a financial Power of Attorney, Kim Lengert can help. Contact Kim today. She will listen to your concerns and help you identify what types of Powers of Attorney and other documents you might need.
Powers of Attorney: Because what is important to you is important.