When you have an elderly loved one there are certain concerns you have about them. Their physical health and whether they are safe in their home and driving around. Their medical needs and whether they are getting any treatments they need. Their financial needs including paying for bills, medical treatments, and so on. Finally their emotional needs as well as your own. In order to handle these things you need to first consider the legal ramifications including arranging a power of attorney in Brick or where you are.
What is a POA?
This is a legal document with a lot of power. When a person is compromised or coming close to a time when they might be in terms of making financial, legal, medical decisions someone they trust can have power of attorney. This means they get to act on their behalf always with their best interests in mind. They can sign legal documents, talk to doctors, access your money and so on. It is very powerful and it is important that it only be trusted by someone who is well-informed, trustworthy and loving.
The different types of POA
There are different types of POA and they also come with different time frames. Durable means it is one that will take effect straight away and carry on being binding even if the person should become incapacitated. Nob-durable means there is a time limit on it and when that is reached it is no longer valid. Springing means it will only go into effect at a certain time or when certain things happen. Then you have limited or special POAs that give specific powers to someone such as only with finances, or only with medical decisions. Then there are general POAs that cover medical and financial decisions for the person named to act on your behalf.
Getting a POA form
POA forms are actually easy to get. You can get one yourself online if you need to act with speed. Or preferably you can consult an elder law expert and get power of attorney in Wall or where you are that way.
Explaining the POA
It is very important that the power of attorney in Brick is explained to the loved one. Even if they get confused easily you need to explain in terms they are able to follow as best they can. You should also include anyone involved in their care such as a spouse or any children. This is something the notary will check.
Signing in front of a notary
As this is such a powerful thing it needs to be signed in front of a notary. They will check identities and check all paries understand what is happening. They will only ask some basic questions nothing too legally complex.
Securing your POA
When you have a power of attorney in Wall you should keep the original somewhere safe and also have a copy. The original will be needed for legal proceedings. The copy will be good enough for other situations.