Choosing a Power of Attorney to Manage Your Future Finances

Who should you rely on to maintain your finances when you are no longer able to do so? A power of attorney (POA), also known as an agent to your principal, has the legal authority to represent and make decisions on your behalf. What characteristics should you look for when designating a power of attorney? No matter what type of power of attorney you seek to arrange, your potential agent must be a person you deem to be trustworthy and honorable to conduct your affairs in your best interest.

Often the principal who designates the POA may prefer to choose a family member such as a spouse or adult child. If a family member is unable or unwilling to act when needed you can name a trusted friend or retain professional representation to ensure your interests are well looked after.  Some people choose to have co-agents or name a secondary agent in the event another might pre-decease you.

Stipulations regarding the selection of a POA are minimal. Your chosen power of attorney must meet two legal thresholds; be an adult and not be incapacitated.  There are no special qualifications regarding financial acumen or legal knowledge, and in fact, integrity is considered the most important attribute when selecting your agent.

Some questions to consider beyond your basic level of trust with this person(s) include:

• How does this person manage their own legal and financial responsibilities? Are they financially responsible? Do they lead a steady life? Are they good at making decisions under pressure?
• Will the person you select charge you a fee for their service? Generally, family members will not but, if you choose professional representation such as a financial planner or an attorney, there is usually a fee associated with their expertise and service.
• Is the person you want to represent you willing to do so? Becoming an agent is a big responsibility to accept, and for many reasons, the person you want may not agree to serve as your agent.

Your power of attorney agent can have broad or limited legal authority to make decisions and transactions on your behalf about your property, finances, and medical care. The agent’s power is derived through your permissions, and if you are dissatisfied with your agent, you can terminate the POA/agent relationship and create a new one. Your power of attorney must comply with state law. When you work with us, we will make sure yours complies with all applicable laws.

There are a few misconceptions about the power of attorney. The first is you can create a POA on your behalf after you are incapacitated. You cannot as it is too late. For your power of attorney to be valid, your agent must be appointed before you become incapacitated through illness or disability. If you do not have your POA agent legally in place and are unable to manage your affairs, it may become necessary for a court to appoint someone to act on your behalf. People appointed to represent your interests in this manner are referred to as guardians, conservators, or committees, depending on your local state law. To avoid someone making decisions for you who you may not have chosen, it is imperative to have the proper power of attorney legally in place before you become incapacitated.

Another misconception is that your POA agent can make whatever financial decision they want to about your estate and that all power of attorney documents are the same. Your selected agent, by law, has an overriding obligation known as a fiduciary obligation to make decisions in your best interests. This responsibility is why it is imperative to choose a trustworthy agent as it can help avoid challenges to and litigation of your estate. You must have full confidence in the actions your agent will take on your behalf. You can appoint different agents for different POA document functions. We can help you figure out which powers should be given to particular agents. For example, you may want a different agent to handle real estate transactions on your behalf.

Selecting an agent and preparing a financial power of attorney is an important part of your overall plan. If you have questions or would like to discuss your situation, please contact our Heber Springs, Arkansas office at 501-365-3934.