Springing power of attorney The springing power of attorney would spring in a specific event which is specified by the power of attorney. It could be an event of disability, illness or travel abroad. it would only be valid, if there are doctor or doctors which identified that the principal is indeed incapacitated. For example, the agent can have access to the safety deposit box of the principal and transfer sales or investments, among other powers. Entrusting all your assets and personal affairs as a principal is like entrusting your life to your attorney-in-fact. Your agent s decisions regarding your estate will have a direct impact on you, considering the broad freedom granted by general powers of attorney. Organization and documentation skills. The principal may need the attorney-in-fact to track and properly document the different transactions made whether it is for personal, business or government purposes. Another thing to consider is determining the spouse as the attorney-in-fact. Most military personnel would provide the power of attorney to their spouses especially if they are away in combat. Thus, this type of powers of attorney is an enduring one since it remains in effect even if the principal is mentally incapable of making decisions for himself or herself. Durable powers of attorney are classified into two general types: health care and financial. As the name suggests, health care durable powers of attorney authorize a person, who is called an agent or an attorney-in-fact, to make all the needed choices regarding health care and hospitalization on behalf of the principal. The principal could specify in the document what specific decisions the durable power of attorney can make. Aside from that, the document could specify that the durable power of attorney could take effect in the event the principal becomes disabled. The durable power of attorney could cover different decisions and responsibilities, aside from health care decisions, like: Providing gifts which can play a major part in estate tax planning. Amount of control How much authority are you willing to grant to your agent in terms of decision-making and performing your tasks on your behalf? That is a crucial decision you need to address when selecting the right attorney-in-fact. You may opt for several limited powers of attorney if you are not comfortable with the idea of giving your agent full control over your assets and personal matters.
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