If you become incapacitated, you may need someone to make financial, legal or medical decisions for you. In this case, you need a power of attorney, which is a legal document that gives your chosen person the right to make decisions for you.
However, these individuals have incredible power over your life, money and estate, so it is important to choose the right person to be your power of attorney.
Choose someone knowledgeable
You will likely choose someone to handle your finances, someone to handle your medical decisions and someone to handle your legal matters. It is uncommon to have the same person serve all of these roles because they require very different knowledge and expertise. In addition, you would give one person significant power over your life. Therefore, consider choosing individuals with specific knowledge, education or experience in each area.
Find one or more individuals you trust completely
Your powers of attorney should be individuals you know very well. You should have developed deep relationships with them over long periods of time. They need to understand your values and desires. Carefully analyze their character. Even small actions or statements can reveal a lot about these individuals.
Identify those with internal strength
You need individuals who have internal strength and are willing to assert themselves on your behalf. Your powers of attorney may make decisions your heirs do not agree with but reflect your desires. They need to have the ability to stand up for you and themselves. They also need to understand what questions to ask and can appropriately articulate their choices and why they made them, especially during highly emotional discussions.
To choose the best powers of attorney, focus on individuals who care about you and are willing to serve in this stressful, sometimes overwhelming position.
