Preparing for emergencies is a vital thing that every person should do.
One of the best ways that you can prepare for medical emergencies is to assign a power of attorney.
This is especially true if you are aging, but can be a great thing to have if you are ever rendered unable to make your own decisions.
Having a power of attorney in Monmouth County can be the difference between letting the hospital make all the decisions for you and actually getting the care you would expect to receive.
Read on to learn why having a power of attorney in Toms River is so important, and how to set one up.
The benefits of a power of attorney
A power of attorney allows you to name someone you trust as a person who is allowed to make decisions for you when you can’t make them yourself.
It can protect your financial and real estate from going to the wrong hands when you die or become unable to voice your own decisions.
This is done by allowing your POA to manage your bank accounts, investment portfolios, filing your taxes, and any other legal decisions for your finances.
A POA can also be your voice for your medical care.
If you are aging and have been diagnosed with certain conditions like dementia, it is vital that you set up a POA to avoid having a guardianship imposed on you.
You do not have to wait till you grow old to list a person as your POA.
A power of attorney can be set up with the directive that it does not go into effect unless you are unable to make your own decisions.
This can be important if you have an accident that renders you unconscious, puts you in a coma, or on life support.
Your POA can tell anyone involved what your wishes are and ensure they are followed.
How to set up a power of attorney
Setting up a power of attorney is not too hard.
There are a few different types of power of attorney you can put in place.
A financial POA allows the person you list as your agent to make financial decisions in your absence or in the event you can no longer make the decisions yourself.
A durable POA can take effect at any time you specify, and remain effective if you are unable to make your own decisions.
Your agent for a durable POA can hold all rights to make any decisions for you — health, financial, bill paying, banking, etc.
A springing POA is a type of POA which only gives your agent rights when your doctor declares you unfit.
You can designate what event or condition will activate a springing POA and what doctor can activate it.
A healthcare POA allows you to set up a trusted person with the rights to make medical decisions for you.
This type of POA only becomes active when you can’t make your own decisions and only allows your agent to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Regardless of what type of POA you have it is wise to ensure your agent, friends, and family members are aware you have one and know what your wishes are.
Making other people besides just your agent aware can act as extra protection to ensure you get the care you expect.
Finding the best lawyer to help you
If you are wanting to set up a power of attorney in Monmouth County it is wise to have a lawyer help you so that you know it is done right.
Do your research to find the best lawyer.
Ask family, friends, and neighbors who they would suggest.
Search online for lawyers who specialize in power of attorney in Toms River.
Look at the testimonials from previous and current clients.
Talk to a lawyer about your wishes and concerns, and ask the lawyer what he would recommend for you.
Discuss what their rates will be to help you set up a POA.
To save time and ensure everyone is on the same page, you can have the person you are going to name as your POA go with you to the lawyer’s office when you have the documents drawn up.
Just remember, it is vital to set up a POA before you need it to ensure you are properly cared for.