Ensure Your Wishes Are Carried Out Responsibly
Estate planning is traditionally associated with preparations for after your passing. However, it also covers other areas of uncertainty during your lifetime. One way to address these possibilities is by granting someone a power of attorney.
A power of attorney is a document that prepares for the management of your financial, personal or health care matters should you eventually be unable to manage them yourself. I am attorney James S. Vergotz. I provide clarity and advice throughout the process of incorporating a power of attorney into your estate plan. Working with people throughout western Pennsylvania, I help families address the unthinkable.
Why Use A Durable Power Of Attorney?
A power of attorney allows you to pick actions or decisions for an individual of your choosing to make on your behalf. It can be created at any point to authorize your agent to manage your affairs. However, to ensure your wishes remain valid should you become incapacitated, the power of attorney must be durable.
A durable financial power of attorney allows your agent to carry out the management of your financial affairs. Likewise, a durable power of attorney for health care allows your agent to carry out medical decisions, similar to a living will. However, while a living will contains general health care provisions, your durable power of attorney can feature more specific wishes.
A Power Of Attorney Can Fit Your Needs
You may customize a power of attorney to fit your needs, giving your agent either full or limited control of actions, including:
- Managing your bank account
- Collecting retirement benefits
- Continuing your investments
- Selling your real estate
- Authorizing medical care
Selecting the right agent is a crucial decision. I can offer guidance when it comes to selecting an honest, trustworthy and responsible agent based on my four decades of experience.
Discuss Your Power Of Attorney Options With An Experienced Lawyer
Without a power of attorney in place, if you were to become incompetent, your family may be forced to request a court to grant a guardian to oversee your personal matters. This can be expensive and further complicate the state of your affairs. Establishing a power of attorney can make the unknowns of the future slightly less intimidating. I can assist throughout the process.
To learn more, contact my Pittsburgh office by calling me at 412-366-0510 or by emailing me to set up a 30-minute consultation. I offer flexible scheduling. You may request weekend appointments or home visits if you are unable to meet in my office.
