What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes someone else to act on your behalf on a broad range of business and personal matters, for example, handling your finances.

An ordinary Power of Attorney expires if you become mentally incapacitated, while a Durable Power of Attorney remains intact even if you become incapacitated.

How does a Durable Power of Attorney work?

Having a Durable Power of Attorney is useful for putting a plan in place in case of a medical emergency. Your legally-appointed agent will make decisions for you if you are suddenly incapacitated due to illness or injury.

In California, a Durable Power of Attorney can become effective whenever you choose. You can make it take effect immediately or choose a specific date in the future.

What can an authorized agent do with a Durable Power of Attorney?

1. Buy and sell property
2. Manage bank accounts, bills, and investments
3. File tax returns
4. Apply for government benefits

How do I get a Durable Power of Attorney?

You can find Durable Power of Attorney forms online. However, it’s best to talk to an experienced member of our team at Crider Law about your estate planning needs so that we can set up the right Durable Power of Attorney to suit your needs.