Power of Attorney Lawyer in Houston

Helping Clients Plan for Their Financial and Medical Matters

Unfortunately, often when illness or incapacitation strikes, many people are unprepared and have no one who can manage their financial or medical matters. One of the most effective solutions is to have a power of attorney document ready so that your appointed agent can act on your behalf.

Kisch Law Firm, PLLC, is a Houston law firm dedicated to helping families prepare for any eventuality. If you would like to create a power of attorney or have questions, please contact our law offices to schedule a consultation, and we will determine how we can assist you.

Are There Different Types of Power of Attorney?

Multiple types of power of attorney exist, each serving a specific purpose depending on an individual’s needs and circumstances. The individual who creates a power of attorney is known as the principal and may authorize the person of their choice, sometimes referred to as the agent or attorney-in-fact, to handle their affairs on their behalf.

Due to the various choices available, it is always best to consult with a power of attorney lawyer to determine which option is right for your needs.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney empowers the agent to manage the principal’s legal and financial affairs even if the principal becomes incapacitated. However, like most powers of attorney, the agent’s authority automatically ceases upon the principal’s death.

Non-Durable Power of Attorney

A non-durable power of attorney is typically used in specific situations, such as acting on behalf of another in real estate transactions or handling financial matters. However, if the principal becomes incapacitated, a non-durable power of attorney is automatically revoked.

General Power of Attorney

A general power of attorney is a good option if the principal wants their attorney-in-fact to handle various responsibilities related to real estate, business, financial, or legal matters.

Limited Power of Attorney

A special or limited power of attorney imposes restrictions on the agent’s authority based on specific timeframes or tasks that the agent must complete for the principal.

Medical or Healthcare Power of Attorney

A medical power of attorney grants the agent the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the principal if the principal becomes incapacitated or in the event of a medical emergency.

Can a Power of Attorney Be Revoked?

Texas law allows the principal to revoke a power of attorney at their discretion, provided that they are of sound mind. The law further states that the principal can revoke a power of attorney at any time and for any reason, and is not obligated to obtain permission from their appointed agent. In many instances, a power of attorney may be revoked because the principal wishes to conduct their own affairs.

Suppose you wish to revoke a power of attorney and name another agent. In that case, you would need to draft a legal document stating your intention to end the power of attorney agreement. State law requires that the document be notarized at the time of signing and should include all pertinent details, including the agent’s name and the date the original power of attorney was signed.

Next, you should notify your agent that the power of attorney has been revoked, as well as your banking institutions and healthcare providers. Signing a new power of attorney that contradicts the original can effectively revoke the authority of the original power of attorney.

How Does a Power of Attorney Lawyer Help Clients?

If you are considering the option of creating a power of attorney, it is in your best interests to hire a lawyer. An experienced lawyer is familiar with the legal intricacies of a power of attorney and will create a legally binding document that meets all applicable requirements.

When you meet with an attorney, they can explain the various types of powers of attorney available. More importantly, your lawyer will analyze your case and help you determine your legal and financial goals, crafting a POA tailored to your specific needs. For example, you only need a power of attorney to allow your agent to make financial or other important decisions on your behalf for a specific timeframe.

Additionally, if you are trying to avoid potential conservatorship or guardianship proceedings, you will want a power of attorney that authorizes your agent to make medical decisions. Having a medical power of attorney who is familiar with your wishes can save your family members from having to guess about your end-of-life care.

Why Should I Choose Your Power of Attorney Lawyer to Help Me Plan for the Future?

Kisch Law Firm, PLLC, is a Houston, TX, law firm committed to assisting clients with their estate planning needs. Our attorney and staff have comprehensive experience in helping clients draft clear and concise power of attorney documents that meet all legal requirements, ensuring our clients are protected. Having a power of attorney can help to protect your financial assets and plan for what lies ahead.

Regardless of whether you want a power of attorney that has limited responsibilities or an agent who will be responsible for making healthcare decisions, our law firm will help you have the peace of mind you deserve. Contact our law office today at 844-417-6343 to schedule a free initial consultation, allowing us to begin working on your case.