Most of us can never imagine there being a time when we can’t make decisions for ourselves. Yet, most of us have dealt with parents or family members in this exact same position. Perhaps our mom or dad suffered from dementia as they got older. Or, maybe you have a disabled child and have power of attorney over them. Probate attorneys take care of cases like this all the time.
We all like to think we’re immortal. Or, we think that we’ll be alive for decades. Nobody wants to think that they’re going to get sick or die. But the reality is that we all die sometime. That’s why it’s so important that you have a power of attorney in place.
A power of attorney can be helpful in all kinds of situations. It’s not just for when you get older or get sick. For example, you could be going out of town and need someone to be able to sign a document for you.
There are a few different kinds of power of attorney. Here, we’re going to focus on a general power of attorney. If you have one of these in place, it should protect you in just about any situation. You need to call a probate attorney in Houston who can help draft a document that protects you and suits your needs.
Why Would You Need a Power of Attorney?
You never know when you may need a power of attorney. Essentially, a power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone else a right to make decisions on your behalf. There are many situations when a power of attorney may be necessary:
- You’re getting surgery and there is a chance that you’ll be incapacitated for a short time afterwards
- You’re travelling abroad and want to make sure someone can make decisions on your behalf in your absence
- You have developed a disease such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s and want to make sure someone you trust can speak on your behalf
- You’re in your 80s or 90s and fear that you won’t be able to make decisions on your own
- You’re moving into a rehabilitation center, assisted living facility or nursing home
There are times when you’ll be required to provide a POA. For example, if you’re going into a short-term nursing and rehab center, they will require a POA. They need to have someone to turn to should they need to make decisions on your behalf.
Can Your Houston Probate Lawyer Amend Your POA?
If you have an existing power of attorney (POA) and want to change it, you should call an experienced probate lawyer in Houston. They can make the necessary changes so it suits your current needs. They can also review the document and make any recommendations on what may not be covered.
If you do amend your POA, make sure it’s a legally executed document. You have to make sure it’s signed, witnessed and notarized. Then, make sure you keep multiple copies in your safety deposit box. This document is very important and you don’t want it to fall into the wrong hands.
Can You Revoke a POA in Houston?
You can revoke your power of attorney if you want to. Perhaps your situation has changed and you no longer need it. Or, you may have changed your mind on who you want named as your power of attorney.
Make sure you speak with a skilled probate lawyer in Houston before you do this. It’s not as simple as you may think. You can’t just tear up a POA and deem it invalid. You have to actually revoke it legally so that it doesn’t have any power.
Contact a Probate Lawyer in Houston Today
If you don’t already have a power of attorney, you should seriously consider having one drafted. Simply call and schedule a consultation with an experienced probate lawyer in Houston. They can sit down with you, find out what your concerns are and draft your document.
It’s important that your POA include all of the necessary terms. While it’s perfectly acceptable to download a form online, you will want to have an experienced attorney review it. The last thing you want is to find out at the last minute that your power of attorney isn’t valid.
This is one of the most important documents you’ll ever sign. You want to make sure it’s effective, that it protects your rights and that it’s legally binding. Call Eddington & Worley today and speak with a Houston probate lawyer.