An Experienced Lawyer to Draft a Power of Attorney in North Kingstown, East Greenwich, Cranston and Coventry and Warwick

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that enables you to designate an agent to act on your behalf in the event that you become disabled or incapacitated. The agent is obligated to make decisions that are in your best interest. Trusts and wills lawyer Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law applies 30 years of experience to helping you draft this useful legal instrument tailored to meet your personal objectives.

Purposes for Durable power of attorney

You can appoint a durable power of attorney to execute all legal acts that you could have performed -- including financial, medical, business or real estate. You may also grant a limited POA authority to perform one specific act -- such as transacting a one-time real estate closing or handling all matters related to mental health care. If you believe that two different loved ones are best suited for making healthcare or financial decisions, you can designate two separate POAs.

Why you should execute a POA

You must have mental capacity at the time you sign a POA. Once you become incapacitated through physical or mental illness or injury, you can no longer execute a POA document. Instead, a court appoints a legal guardian or conservator to make decisions on your behalf. Unless an objection is raised, courts typically appoint parents, spouses, children or other family members who may not share your viewpoints about end-of-life decisions, mental health treatments, medical care or business practices. A long-time partner might be better suited for the role of decision-maker, for example. POAs give you control over who decides crucial issues and provides you with a legal means of expressing your intentions. You can amend or revoke a POA at any time that you regain lucidity.

Learn more about drafting POAs from experienced estate planning East Greenwich lawyer

Consult an experienced East Greenwich attorney to help you draft a power of attorney. Call Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.