If we are in the process of planning your estate, one thing you should be aware of is power of attorney. Essentially, power of attorney gives another person the power to act on your behalf. The thing to remember is that power of attorney is only as great as the language that controls it and words in documents can be taken in numerous ways. For this reason, it is important to be very specific when designating power of attorney to ensure everything is executed according to your wishes.
Another thing to remember about power of attorney is that it is only valid while the person who granted authority is still alive. When that person dies, but power of attorney expires. However, as long as the person is alive and no changes are made to the power of attorney agreement, the arrangement will remain in place.
If you need assistance with durable power of attorney for healthcare or for your property, contact Claery & Hammond, LLP to discuss your estate planning needs with a Los Angeles family law attorney today.