Power Of Attorney After Death - Legal Matters after death! – Titan Casket

Power of Attorney After Death

Power of Attorney After Death

Key Insights

  • A power of attorney lets someone manage your finances after death.
  • You can grant as much or as little power in a power of attorney.
  • An attorney can assist you to decide which will after death documents you need.
  • A power of attorney also protects you against a court making decisions for you if you become incapacitated.

 

An Overview

You are not alone if you haven't thought about what will happen to your finances after death. In the United States, two out of every three people  do not have important death planning documentation. However, failing to plan can make life more difficult and uncomfortable for you and your family. A "power of attorney" is an excellent example. We all require this form of legal document as we age and face the prospect of losing our ability to properly care for ourselves. A power of attorney gives someone else the authority to manage part or all of your financial requirements and health care decisions while you are still alive. A power of attorney, however, expires upon your death.

What Is A Power Of Attorney After Death?

You, the "principal," appoint someone to act on your behalf in financial, legal, and medical affairs when you submit a power of attorney. Your "agent" is the person you select. There are several power of attorney documents available, and you can grant as much or as little authority as you like. For example, you could specify that your agent can access your bank account to pay your bills and buy groceries, but not for any other purpose. You could even create a power of attorney that does not take effect unless you become incompetent or incapable.

Choosing A Power Of Attorney After Death

A consultation with an attorney can help you determine which sort of power of attorney you may require. Your attorney can tailor power of attorney forms to your specific need. Powers of attorney fall into several major categories, including:

What Happens When A Durable Power Of Attorney Expires?

Unless they are named executors in your valid will after death, your durable general power of attorney carers, agent as well as family members lose the capacity to manage your estate at the time of your death. Unless additionally appointed as your executor, the agents named in your power of attorney documents can no longer make decisions for your estate. If you have a will, the executor of your estate is in charge of all assets from the time of your death forward. If you die without leaving a will, a judge will appoint an administrator to settle your finances. Someone can ask the judge to be named as the administrator of an estate, but regaining access to the estate's funds can take time. If you named the same person as executor as your durable general power of attorney, that person may still have access to your estate. Otherwise, your estate's choices are made after your death by the chosen executor or administrator.

What Is Death Planning?

Power Of Attorney Planning

A power of attorney is an important aspect of end-of-life preparation because it protects you against a court's ability to make decisions for you if you become incapable. This legal instrument allows you to make decisions about your life and possessions by appointing a trusted agent to represent your best interests. After death, however, a power of attorney loses its authority, and decisions about your assets pass to the executor or administrator of your estate. Making a will and naming a power of attorney agent will help you feel comfortable and secure about your future and the future of your family and loved ones.

 

Pre-Plan Your Funeral

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