Law Office of Harvey L. Cox provides asset protection services from our offices in Waco and Round Rock, Texas.

Law Office of Harvey L. Cox provides asset protection services.

The Importance Of Having A Power Of Attorney

At the Law Office of Harvey L. Cox, we are dedicated to helping clients protect their families and assets by providing comprehensive estate planning services, including creating powers of attorney.

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows an individual (called the “principal”) to appoint another person (called the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to act on their behalf. Several types of POAs are durable, springing, general and limited.

Types Of Power Of Attorney

There are several types of powers of attorney to choose from, including durable, springing, general and limited.

  • General POA: This type of POA gives the agent broad powers to act on the principal’s behalf in various situations.
  • Limited POA: This type of POA allows the agent to act on the principal’s behalf in specific situations or for particular tasks.
  • Springing POA: This type of POA only goes into effect if the principal becomes incapacitated or unable to make decisions for themselves.
  • Durable POA: This type of POA remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated or unable to make decisions for themselves.

Creating a power of attorney can be a straightforward process. Still, it is essential to seek guidance from your own attorney to ensure that your POA is legally binding and accurately reflects your wishes. At the Law Office of Harvey L. Cox, we can help you navigate the process and understand any legal requirements or considerations.

The Risk Of Having No Power Of Attorney In Place

Without a comprehensive power of attorney, the court will decide who is appointed to manage these affairs, and the incapacitated person will have no say in the matter. This can be costly and time-consuming, as the court will continue to monitor the situation as long as the incapacitated person is alive.

In addition to the potential financial and logistical burdens of not having a power of attorney, there is also the risk of conflicts among family members. Family members can disagree on the best course of action without clearly understanding the incapacitated person’s wishes and desires. A comprehensive power of attorney can help avoid these conflicts and ensure that the incapacitated person’s wishes are followed.

When selecting an agent for your power of attorney, choosing someone you trust and who is familiar with your values and beliefs is essential. This person will be responsible for making important decisions on your behalf, so they must understand your wishes and can act in your best interests. It is also a good idea to discuss your expectations and desires with your agent and ensure they are comfortable and willing to serve in this role.

Plan Ahead, Sooner Than Later

At the Law Office of Harvey L. Cox in Waco and Round Rock, we are dedicated to helping clients protect their families and assets. Our firm is experienced in the law of power of attorney and will help you create one. With our help, your can ensure that your document is legally binding. We can also discuss other legal tools and documents that may be useful for planning for the future and protecting your interests.

If you have any questions about creating a power of attorney or want to learn more about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Contact us through our website or call 866-799-2124 to schedule a free initial consultation.