Power of Attorney

If you sign a power of attorney, you authorize another person to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. In a general power of attorney, the person named in your power of attorney will be able to manage your assets, pay your debts, and make business and personal transactions.

A special power of attorney adds conditions to a general one, such as real estate. If you relocate across the country before you sell your house, you might assign special power of attorney to a family member in the area who would then be able to sign closing paperwork on your behalf. Healthcare power of attorney allows an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to, such as through dementia or coma.

Each of these specific powers can be durable, which means that the powers will remain in effect. This is commonly used when individuals anticipate becoming mentally incompetent, such as after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

A Columbia, Maryland family law attorney can provide more information on the matter.