Introduction
We understand that managing your finances can be a complex and overwhelming task, especially when unexpected events such as incapacity or disability arise. That’s why we’re here to provide you with expertise to understand the benefits and decide whether you need a financial power of attorney. For the different types of power of attorney head over here.
Our team of legal professionals has years of experience helping individuals and families create customized financial POAs that meet their unique needs and circumstances. We’ve seen firsthand the difference that a well-crafted financial POA can make in ensuring that your finances are properly managed and your wishes are respected, even if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself.
In this guide, we’ll explain a financial power of attorney, exploring what it is, what you can and can’t do with a financial POA, and who might need one (and who might not). We’ll also provide you with practical examples and expert insights to help you make informed decisions about your financial future. So let’s get started!
What is a Financial Power of Attorney?
A financial power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to make financial decisions on your behalf. This can include things like paying bills, managing investments, and handling tax matters. The person who is granted the financial POA is known as the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.” It’s important to note that a financial POA only gives the agent the authority to make financial decisions, not medical or other personal decisions.
Why Do You Need a Financial Power of Attorney?
There are several reasons why you might need a financial POA. The most common reason is to ensure that your financial affairs are properly managed in the event that you become incapacitated or are otherwise unable to make decisions for yourself. Without a financial POA in place, your loved ones may be unable to access your bank accounts or manage your investments on your behalf. This can lead to financial difficulties and even legal disputes. Ideally you’ll start preparing with a POA once you work on planning your estate. In laymen terms here are some examples of who might and who might not need a financial POA:
Who might need a financial POA:
Older adults: As people age, they may become more vulnerable to financial exploitation, fraud, or incapacity. A financial POA can ensure that someone you trust can manage your finances and make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or unable to manage your affairs.
Individuals with disabilities: People with disabilities may need assistance managing their finances, and a financial POA can provide a trusted agent with the authority to do so.
Business owners: Business owners may need a financial POA to ensure that someone can manage their business finances and make decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated or unable to manage their affairs.
Individuals with complex finances: If you have a lot of assets or investments, a financial POA can ensure that someone you trust can manage your finances and make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or unable to manage your affairs.
Who might not need a financial POA:
Young adults without assets: If you are a young adult without significant assets or investments, you may not need a financial POA.
Individuals with a trusted joint account holder: If you have a trusted joint account holder, they may be able to manage your finances and make decisions on your behalf without a financial POA.
Individuals with a living trust: If you have a living trust, your trustee may already have the authority to manage your finances and make decisions on your behalf, making a financial POA unnecessary.
It’s important to consider your personal circumstances and consult with a legal professional to determine whether a financial POA is right for you.
How to Create a Financial Power of Attorney
Creating a financial POA is a relatively simple process. The first step is to choose an agent that you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf. This can be a family member, friend, or professional advisor. Once you’ve chosen your agent, you’ll need to fill out a legal document that outlines the scope of their authority. This document should be signed in the presence of a notary public to ensure that it is legally binding.
What Powers Does a Financial Power of Attorney Grant?
The specific powers granted by a financial POA can vary depending on the document’s language. Some financial POAs grant broad authority to the agent, allowing them to make a wide range of financial decisions on your behalf. Others may be more limited in scope, only allowing the agent to manage certain assets or make specific financial decisions. It’s important to carefully review the language of the document before signing it to ensure that you understand the scope of the agent’s authority. Again, lets look at some examples.
A financial power of attorney (POA) grants authority to someone you trust (known as your agent or attorney-in-fact) to manage your financial affairs on your behalf. Here are some specific examples of what your agent can do with a financial POA:
Pay bills: Your agent can pay your bills, including utility bills, rent, mortgage, and credit card bills.
Manage investments: Your agent can manage your investments, including buying and selling stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
File taxes: Your agent can file your taxes and represent you before the IRS if necessary.
Manage bank accounts: Your agent can manage your bank accounts, including depositing and withdrawing money, writing checks, and transferring funds.
Access safe deposit box: Your agent can access your safe deposit box to retrieve important documents or other items.
Manage real estate: Your agent can manage your real estate, including buying, selling, or leasing property.
Make financial decisions: Your agent can make financial decisions on your behalf, such as deciding whether to take out a loan or invest in a new business venture.
It’s important to remember that a financial POA only grants authority to make financial decisions, not medical or personal decisions.
What Powers Does a Financial Power of Attorney NOT Grant?
Now let’s take a look at some of the things what your agent CANNOT do with a financial POA:
Make decisions outside the scope of the document: Your agent can only make decisions and take actions that are specifically authorized in the document. If a decision or action is not covered by the document, your agent cannot take it.
Make medical or personal decisions: A financial POA only grants authority to make financial decisions, not medical or personal decisions. If you want someone to make medical decisions on your behalf, you need to create a separate document, such as a medical power of attorney or a living will.
Change your estate plan: Your agent cannot make changes to your estate plan, such as altering your will, changing beneficiaries on your accounts, or creating a trust. If you want to make changes to your estate plan, you need to do so through legal channels.
Act against your best interests: Your agent has a legal duty to act in your best interests and to avoid any conflicts of interest. If your agent acts against your best interests or engages in self-dealing, they can be held liable for any damages that result.
Act after your death: A financial POA terminates upon your death, so your agent cannot continue to manage your financial affairs after you pass away.
When Does a Financial Power of Attorney Take Effect?
A financial POA can take effect immediately upon signing or can be designed to take effect at a later date. For example, you might choose to create a financial POA that only takes effect if you become incapacitated. It’s important to discuss the timing of the financial POA with your agent to ensure that they understand when they can begin making financial decisions on your behalf.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Financial Power of Attorney?
If you don’t have a financial POA in place and become incapacitated or otherwise unable to make decisions for yourself, your loved ones may need to go to court to have a guardian or conservator appointed. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, and it can also lead to disputes among family members. By creating a financial POA, you can help ensure that your financial affairs are properly managed without the need for court intervention.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I revoke a financial power of attorney? A1: Yes, you can revoke a financial POA at any time by creating a new document that revokes the old one or by notifying your agent in writing that you are revoking their authority.
Q2: Can I have more than one agent under a financial power of attorney? A2: Yes, you can have multiple agents under a financial POA, but it’s important to ensure that they can work together and make decisions collaboratively.
Q3: Does a financial power of attorney give my agent the authority to make gifts on my behalf? A3: The authority to make gifts can be included in the language of the financial POA, but it’s important to carefully review the document to ensure that you understand the scope of the agent’s authority.
Q4: Can I create a financial power of attorney if I already have a living trust? A4: Yes, you can create a financial POA even if you have a living trust. In fact, it can be a useful supplement to a living trust in ensuring that your financial affairs are properly managed.
Q5: Can I create a financial power of attorney for a specific purpose, such as managing my business affairs? A5: Yes, you can create a limited financial POA that grants authority only for specific purposes, such as managing your business affairs. It’s important to carefully review the language of the document to ensure that it accurately reflects your wishes.
Further Reading:What Is Probate and How Does it Work?
Who Can Challenge a Will?
Creating a Will – Basics
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Will Without a Lawyer
Administering an Estate? Don’t Panic!What is estate planning? Our ultimate guide!How to set up a trust – Everything to get you started!Creating a Living Will: Ensuring Your Healthcare Wishes Are FollowedA Definitive Guide to the Estate Tax Law
| References | Link |
|---|---|
| Forbes | https://www.forbes.com/ |
| AARP | https://www.aarp.org/ |
| Investopedia | https://www.investopedia.com/ |
