Powers of Attorney
Every independent adult over the age of 18 should have power of attorney documents in place.
Upon meeting with a client, an elder law attorney will conduct a review of important legal documents. The two most important documents a lawyer can draft as part of estate or asset protection planning are:
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a document that lets you name someone else to make decisions about your health care, in case you are not able to make those decisions yourself. It gives that person, referred to as your “agent,” instructions about the kinds of medical treatment you do and do not want. If you have specific wishes about your health care, a Durable Power of Attorney (POA) for Health Care will ensure that those wishes are honored – even if you are physically or mentally unable to tell your doctors what you want.
Without the POA for Healthcare, a family member cannot make decisions about a loved one’s care, even if that loved one is no longer able to make decisions for him or herself.
Financial Durable Power of Attorney
The Financial Durable Power of Attorney (POA) grants someone legal authority to act on your behalf for financial issues, in the event that you become incapacitated and are unable to make those decisions yourself.
Without a POA for Financial Matters, a family member may not be able to access funds to pay for care, or employ Asset Protection strategies on behalf of their loved one.
It is also important for POAs that are three or more years old to be reviewed, to make sure they are still accurate and include all the authority now permitted by Missouri law. The attorneys at Beck, Lenox & Stolzer can assist you in writing or reviewing these documents before moving forward with Asset Protection strategies.
How to Get Started
At Beck, Lenox & Stolzer, our attorneys have helped thousands of families secure peace of mind that their wishes will be carried out upon their passing and that their survivors won’t have to deal with the stresses of legal action or invalid documents.
Our team of will and trust attorneys in St. Charles will meet with you to review your goals and determine what document(s) may be appropriate for your unique situation. Contact our office to book a call with one of the attorneys at Beck, Lenox & Stolzer Estate Planning and Elder Law, LLC.
